If you are a fan of fashion history, particularly the fabulous heights of Parisian couture, then today’s episode of Young at Art is for you. Harry is joined by renowned journalist and author Justine Picardie to discuss her latest book: Miss Dior, a Story of Courage and Couture which traces the life of Catherine Dior, the youngest sister of world famous French couturier Christian Dior. Bringing to life for the first time Catherine's story, peppered with tragedy and joy in equal measure, Picardie’s account sensitively balances the rough with the smooth, exploring Catherine’s fascinating life right from childhood until her death at the age of 90 in 2008 in an undulating tale of her personal strength. From WWII resistance fighter to couturier’s muse, her tale is gripping for start to finish.

Miss Dior also explores how the world of French couture survived the Nazi occupation of Paris during World War Two, and how, against all odds, Christian Dior’s newly established label rose from the ashes of a post war Paris  to become one of the most famous fashion houses ever created. Picardie eloquently brings to life the life of an unknown character in Christian Dior’s life who helped him become one of the world’s greatest names in fashion.

Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture is published by Faber and Faber and is available to purchase from Waterstones here.

Harry Stevens is the host of Young at Art and is a 21-year-old art and interiors obsessive passionate about opening the art world to all. At Young at Art Harry speaks to the tastemakers who are defining a new image of art and design today, with new episodes out weekly. 

If you enjoyed this episode and want to find who we will be speaking to next, you can follow the podcast on Instagram @youngatartpodcast. Today’s guest Justine Picardie can be found on Instagram at @justinepicardie and our host Harry can be found at @planetstevens. For more information about the podcast, please visit the website, www.youngatartpodcast.com

The podcast’s cover art was drawn by Beatrice Ross, @beatricealiceross and the intro music was written and performed by Maggie Talibart, @maggie_talibart.