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Jennifer Saunders, Fashion editor Justine Picardie on the real "Miss Dior"

Actor and writer Jennifer Saunders. Fashion editor Justine Picardie on Catherine Dior and her influence on the fashion house.

From Ab Fab to Jam & Jerusalem, Jennifer Saunders has been gracing our TV screens for decades. She now returns to theatre as eccentric mystic Madame Arcati in a production of Noel Coward’s comedy Blithe Spirit. She discusses what attracted her to the role and reflects on her wide ranging comedy career.

When a cancer nurse Aimee Winfield posted on social media about how much she was looking forward to a break, it provoked a flurry of abusive messages. She talks to Emma about the impact it's had on her and why she worries about how this behaviour might affect other colleagues.

We hear about Catherine Dior, sister of fashion legend Christian Dior, was a French Resistance fighter during the Second World War and was the inspiration for the Miss Dior fragrance. She was also central to his decision to set up his own fashion house in the aftermath of the war which launched what known as the β€œNew Look” – which created an undeniably feminine silhouette . Her story has received little attention, until now, with the publication of a new book: β€œMiss Dior – A story of courage and Couture” by the fashion editor Justine Picardie. She joins Emma Barnett to discuss Catherine’s life and her catalytic role in the history of one of the world’s greatest fashion houses.

Presenter Emma Barnett
Producer Beverley Purcell

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58 minutes

Broadcast

  • Mon 13 Sep 2021 10:00

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