So Dior

This past month, Harrods celebrated the relationship between England and Christian Dior, the iconic French designer, with a huge So Dior exhibit and make-over. The windows were 

decked out just like Christmas windows with amazing displays. Little red buses carrying the fabulously popular round heeled shoes of the season around the sights of London.

My friends and I were treated to an hour long tour by a guide who fascinated us by the stories and history surrounding the Dior phenomenon.

We were anxious to hear all the details and feel the "Miss Dior emotion" as we were spritzed by his iconic scent.

Entering, we were amazed by the façade re-creation of the Paris headquarters on Avenue Montaigne, with silhouettes of Dior fashion

and glimpses of Dior perfumes in the little windows.

Christian Dior first presented his flattering feminine fashions in his 1947 collection, and this lovely "Bar" suit from that group was on display. 

Dior's special relationship with England began in 1953 when he came to England to attend the coronation of Queen Elizabeth. A year later he had his first fashion show in Harrod's. Princess Margaret was a big fan.

Since Dior's untimely death at age 52, while on vacation in Italy, a succession of artistic directors has taken the helm of the house of Dior, the most current being Raf Simons, and the first being Yves. St. Laurent.

It was fascinating to see the stage of miniature Haute Couture re-creations from the history of the House of Dior telling the story of the design house through the years,

and we were spellbound gazing at this white tulle dress embroidered with silver sequins that Audrey Hepburn wore in 1959 for Harpers Bizarre magazine.

Equally stunning was this midnight blue satin dress worn by Princess Diana to celebrate the House of Dior's 50th anniversary in December, 1996.

Having always yearned a bit for the iconic Dior bag, I was intrigued by this grand scale bag, as well as being fascinated by its connection to Princess Diana. Evidently, the former first lady of France, Bernadette Chirac, gave Princess Diana this bag soon after it first came out in the mid 1990's, and Princess Diana loved it so much 

that she ordered one in every color. Soon after, the bag was christened to be the Lady Dior bag in honor of Princess Diana.

Many references to the Dior scents were on display, including this bottle of Miss Dior, the first scent of the company, which was exclusively designed for Princess Grace of Monaco with the Grimaldi coat of arms featured on the bottle.

Maybe you remember seeing this dress from the commercial with Charlize Theron for Miss Dior perfumes, when she channels the memories of Marilyn Monroe, Princess Grace and Marlene Dietrich in the Palace of Versailles. The design of the dress and beads reflects the design of the bottles which surround the mannequin here.

So feminine, so figure flattering, this gown is the one currently being worn by Natalie Portman for Miss Dior ads.

And if all that beauty and design left you feeling a bit overwhelmed, you could pause in the Dior cafe

for tea and "fashionable" cupcakes.

A delightful way to end a lovely experience!

Christmas Shopping at Harrod's

Let's say you decided to do your Christmas shopping at Harrod's this year. You'd immediately see the 2009 Christmas bear greeting you...

and touches of green everywhere to tie in with the Christmas theme of the Emerald City.

You'd be able to find the quintessential tea cups, of course,

and a beautiful tea pot for Harrod's Christmas blend of tea.

Shopping in the food hall, you'll find any fish you need,

poultry,

or beef.

Just a couple of floors above you can pick out a chandelier to light up some one's life,

or perhaps an enormous geode like these in the fossil department.

How about a 103" Hi-Def plasma screen TV? It will only set you back 60,000 pounds or about $96,000. You'd make somebody happy, v-e-r-y happy!

Would someone on your list enjoy this deluxe massage chair?

And for all those furry friends, how about their own furniture,

or treats from the Pet bakery?

Stuffed animals are always popular-starting at $750 for these creatures.

Some of these rocking horses are made-to-order. Yours for just $7,050, but you don't have to feed them, so you'd be saving a bundle there.

For the little girl on your list, I know she'd be thrilled with this Grosvenor Hall dollhouse,

which sells for $1200, furniture and dolls sold separately. Are you kidding--you don't get the furniture for that price?

Taken straight from the Harrod's 2009 Toy Book, is this Junior 'Vette with a Subaru engine, fiberglass body and hydraulic brakes. Sorry Jordan, it's for ages 8 and up, but we'll start saving because its current price is $33,600.

And if you think you could just ask Santa, or Father Christmas as he is also called, to deliver, think again, because he is is fully booked. No appointments available to see him in his grotto. Maybe next year....

This year only, be sure and drop into the Ruby Slipper Boutique where

the salesgirls who look an awful lot like Dorothy will be happy to sell you the ruby slippers for the girls on your list, both young and old. Lace anklets also available for sale.

But what did I find that I put on my Christmas list?

Take a guess.

It's practical!

An American sized washer and dryer!! Is that too much to ask for, Santa?