A modern-day Miss Dior

Short truths about what life is like using this sweet and powdery classic.

Ever heard about the muse who first inspired the original Miss Dior perfume? Younger sister of Christian Dior, Catherine Dior. Heavily involved in the French Resistance during World War II, she was known for her courage, elegance, bravery, and resilience. Inspiring her brother by being a symbol of true grace and strength she became the muse behind this iconic fragrance.

Reading online about her life was pretty heavy, as she is known for her efforts as a resistance fighter and a concentration camp survivor. (After the war she ultimately began cultivating rose gardens, a fact that I loved reading about). I want to read the book about her, it’s supposed to be good.

Returning to the newsletter, I wanted to inform you all that I bought a new bottle of Miss Dior Eau de Parfum in June (a small roll-on bottle, to be precise) as a present to myself, on a whim, hoping for it to raise my spirits after a particularly stressful and expensive doctor’s appointment. People cope in different ways and, believe it or not, this little bottle actually helped me. And I must admit, I have thoroughly enjoyed smelling of sweet roses, peonies, fruits and vanilla this summer.

Catherine Dior, Natalie Portman, …

What makes a Miss Dior muse seems to be a woman who embodies elegance, class and youthful femininity. Obviously, I will not sit here and write any comparison regarding either of these iconic women who represent the fragrance with myself with a straight face. (Even though I do find myself elegant etc. - you know what I mean). However, I will make a cheeky recap of my summer as someone who has doused herself in Miss Dior lately.

“Make me a perfume that smells like love”

…is actually what Christian Dior asked perfumer Paul Vacher in 1947 when creating the very first Miss Dior. Smelling like love all around Antwerp and Helsinki this summer has been joyful and a change, wearing a more commercial fragrance. Though this has not attracted any love so far, the perfume has gained a surprising amount of compliments, though (especially on dates, when I whip out a little fragrance collection from my bag while admitting this slight obsession).

Confident, independent and romantic Miss Dior

I would correct this and say ”yes” to being a hopeless romantic Miss Dior, still learning how to be confident in her skin Miss Dior, happy to be independent, yet craving someone to have by her side to kiss and cuddle Miss Dior.

One could say moving alone to another country, making a new home and landing a job without knowing the local language are very Miss Dior things to do.

Trying to get over a tough heartbreak, then fighting the urge to not develop feelings for an old friend, as well as surviving many disappointing dates all in the span of one summer - very modern Miss Dior.

This version of Miss Dior drinks light beer from small glasses or chilled natural red wine on very hot days. She also goes to the gym for 55-minute spinning sessions, sometimes wishing she could do some boxing and hit something to let out her frustration.

She doesn’t stop pushing, uplifting and supporting her close friends, who constantly inspire her in return (pretty Miss Dior things, if you ask me).

Today’s Miss Dior also has some harsh tan lines in the shape of her cheap but very cute bikinis. She tries to read a book recommended by her therapist whilst in the sun, but she opts to daydream instead.

Lastly, she has her two best friends suddenly style her before going out, take photos of her with a Polaroid, saying she is a modern-day Miss Dior. She didn’t want to argue with them, as she felt honored.

Set inspired by the notes of Miss Dior Eau de Parfum. Styled by Miko Franzén and photographed by Oskari Inkeroinen in Antwerp, August 2024.