Alaia was not only a renowned couturier but also a passionate fashion historian and an insatiable collector, an interest he cultivated since the 1960s. He gathered over 20,000 garments in his life, from the birth of haute couture to pieces by contemporaries he admired. This book showcases for the first time the priceless personal collection of Dior designs that Alaia assembled over decades pieces by Christian Dior as well as the artistic directors that followed him at the helm of the House. The collection is analyzed through thematic chapters, dedicated to the elements that awaked the curiosity of Alaia s collector genius: the construction of the dresses their architecture ; the poetry of the names of creations such as Belle de mai, Jolie c ur, Rose pompom, Bal de printemps, Fete a Grenade, Soiree a Bangkok, Mystere de New York, Soiree tenebreuse, Angelique, Opera bouffe, Musique de nuit, Illusioniste, Aventure, Embuscade, Coquette, or Caprice; the enchanting multitude of the color tones and textures of the fabrics and materials. Illustrated by beautiful photographs of the dresses, historical archival images, drawings by Christian Dior, and collection charts detailing fabrics samples and sketches, this book offers a fresh view of Dior s history and will appeal to fashion lovers everywhere.