Courtesy of Parfums Christian Dior

You’re likely familiar with the Miss Dior perfume, Christian Dior’s signature fragrance, but the woman it’s based on is far less known. In Miss Dior: A Story of Courage and Couture (Farrar, Straus and Giroux), author Justine Picardie puts the spotlight on Catherine Dior, the designer’s youngest sister, who served as inspiration for much of his work. A persevering woman and member of the French Resistance, Catherine’s penchant for flowers earned her the nickname “Miss Dior,” which became the scent, and ultimately, the iconic dress “With a Thousand Flowers.” Read an exclusive excerpt below about how the artfully embroidered house staple came to be.