This 100-page story is historical fiction that covers the 1940s and 1950s. Quoting the brief note at the end of the story, it features “Clara Nohant…a fictional character. Her tale is intertwined with that of Monsieur Christian Dior…”

It is beautifully illustrated in fine line and watercolor. It is rendered in a realist style, with muted colors that pair well with the lush ink line. The layouts are quite traditional, and it is easy to quickly fade into the story flow while reading. The lettering is solid, and the script, translated by Joe Johnson, mostly avoids odd phrasing. The story flows quickly due to Ms Goetzinger’s skilled staging and is presented in a straightforward manner with an emphasis on situational clarity in the transitions, using art and script to bring the reader along.

As a novice to the source information covered here, it reads easily, and I was able to define any unknown terms through context without getting lost. I presume that it may feel a bit slight for anyone who’s knowledge of the source material is great. There is plenty of supplemental material in the version I read* and the acknowledgments indicate significant research done.

The story wisely used a woman’s perspective to investigate a historical male figure. It seems the respect he showed his cohort of expert women was supported by the respect the story gave them, including its protagonist, Clara.

Overall, the pictures are sumptuous and the story is smooth. I expect that anyone with interest in the topic or who appreciates its look would be engaged.

*Girl in Dior by Annie Goetzinger, 2015, NBM edition. Translation by Joe Johnson, lettering by Ortho. Originally published as Jeune Fille en Dior, by Darguad, 2013.