The grain of fabric is the secret of couture.” Christian Dior

Dior’s parents wanted him to become a diplomat. He studied political science for three years and left to design. His parents succumbed with the stipulation that the family name not appear on the title of the business.

Christian Dior’s New Look was an immediate sensation, offering an alternative to the boxy masculine fashion post WW1. Dior’s fashion featured full, richly pleated skirts, cinched waist, hip hugging pencil skirts, long gowns epitomizing a fashionable new womanly silhouette.

Dior designed dresses for English debutantes in the 50s.

Famously, in 1951, Dior designs a dress (silk organza, mother-of-pearl and sequins) for Princess Margaret’s 21st official portrait, photographed by Cecil Beaton.

Dior designs dresses for many American celebrities that graced numerous red carpets: Olivia de Havaland, Jane Russell, Elizabeth Taylor, Rihanna, Natalie Portman, Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lawrence.

The ateliers are the heart of Dior. The dresses made entirely by hand, using both traditional and modern techniques, often taking hundreds of hours to complete. Upon Dior’s sudden death, Yvette Saint Laurent, former Assistant, just 21 years old, appointed creative director at the House of Dior.

His first collection, circa 1960, moved the emphasis away from the waistline. Successive Creative Directors at the house, have continued Dior’s enthusiasm for the fantastical and fairy tale Dior ball gown, evening dresses and ready to wear. Present day Creative Director is notably the first woman, Maria Grazia Chiuri.

St Paul’s Cathedral aka The Nations Church, was the tallest landmark until 1962, rising 365 feet high, designed by Christopher Wren over 30 years.

Notably, Princess Diana and Charles were married in this church. One can climb stairs to the Whispering gallery, where you can hear a companion whisper from quite a distance away. It was an unplanned effect of the dome design.

Climbing 500 steps, the Golden Gallery awaits 360 views of the river Thames and the Millennium bridge that embarks on the white Globe theatre and the Tate Modern Art. Architect, Wren and Admiral Nelson are buried here.

Florence Nightingale and Winston Churchill are not buried here, but there is a tribute to Florence Nightingale. And Churchhill‘s funeral was held here.

Took a bus to Covent Square, where I stumbled into an Apple store, to watch a live feed of Apples special event broadcasted from Cupertino. Stopped me dead in my tracks. I like the new Apple credit card! I arrived a bit late for the market. Totally enjoyed the scene.

The Phantom of the Opera at Her Majesty Theatre was not to disappoint. The venue was both grand and intimate. It is the only theatre in the world where the name will change from Her Majesty to His Majesty Theatre, upon the changing of HRH. The production in SF was anemic compared to the London production. The live orchestra added to the great soundtrack. The changing sets were mesmerizing, the costumes were ornate and the theatrics was fun. A powerful performance and I love that they sell ice cream during intermission!