Now an international household name and one of the world’s most coveted fashion brands, the eponymous founder of Dior was, in fact a relatively late bloomer. By the time he formed his label aged 40, Dior had lived a full and turbulent life. Born towealth and comfort, the Dior family suffered financial ruin during the crash of 1929, leaving a well-educated but penniless Christian Dior to make his own way in the world. Following his instincts - and with the help of his numerous lucky charms - Dior went on to not only make himself a success but transform the way the world would think about fashion forever.
1946
Aged 40 and having honed his craft at numerous great Parisian fashion houses, Dior turns down an offer to become artistic director of the Philipe et Gaston fashion house.After an incident in which he tripped over a star on the Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, he follows his superstition (and the advice of one of his beloved clairvoyants) and decides to strike out on his own. After much deliberation, Dior chooses 30 Avenue Montaigne as his Parisian headquarters and sets about reimagining it in his vision. Victor Grandpierre was entrusted with the interiordesign, which was inspired by the neoclassical Louis XVI style favoured by Christian Dior.
1947Christian Dior presents his first collection at 30 Avenue Montaigne in the presence of some of the world’s top fashion editors. The collection featured voluminous silhouettes, long skirts and tiny waists so markedly different from the clothing designers had been able to make during war time cloth rationing that Carmel Snow of Harper’s Bazaar exclaimed, “It’s quite a revolution, dear Christian! Your dresses have such a new look!” The moniker was immediately seized upon by a correspondent from Reuters and quickly made its way around the world - becoming a byword for a silhouette that remains one of the defining characteristics of the house’s style to this day. This debut show would also produce one of the house’s most iconic pieces: the Bar Jacket. Constructed in cream shantung, its elegant way of following the curves of the female body, with an emphasised bust and rounded hips, was unlike anything that had gone before.Paired with a gently flared skirt, slender shoes and a pillar box hat, it felt fresh, modern and worlds away from the staid styles of the war era. Never one to rest on his laurels, 1947 also saw Dior appoint Pierre Cardin as the Head of the Dior Studio and form Parfums Christian Dior. The first scent, Miss Dior, is an instant hit. 1948The success of the house necessitated an extension to be added to 30 Avenue Montaigne. A year later the neighbouring 11b, 13 and 15 Rue Francois were also rented to accommodate the 25,000 people travelling to see the Dior collections each season. To cement his international fame, Dior decides to begin exhibiting his collections abroad, starting with a show in Sydney, while also opening his first boutique in New York. | A 1950s Dior advertisement. Credi: Kristine/Creative Commons |
1950
Dior takes his designs on a tour of the US. His American popularity is further bolstered when he designs Marlene Dietrich’s costumes for Alfred Hitchcock’s Stage Fright. Pierre Cardin departs Dior to form his own fashion house.
1951
Dior collaborateswith Salvador Dali to create costumes for Charles de Beistegui’s Ball of the Century. He also publisheshis first book: Je Suis Couturier.
1953
Now employing over 1,000 people across 28 workshops, the once modest Avenue Montaigne showroom has become a vast five-storey labyrinth of ateliers, workshops and show spaces. A modern employer, the complex also included a relaxation room for models, an infirmary, a subsidised cafeteria and a bedroom next to Christian Dior’s office. To this day thespace remains the brand’s global flagship and an inspiration for everything from perfumes to ready-to-wear.
This year also sees Dior partner with Roger Vivier to introduce a made-to-measure shoe line as well as launch the brand's first lipstick.
| Marlene Dietrich wearing Dior in Stage Fright | 1955Yves Saint Laurent is hired as Christian Dior’s first assistant. 1957Christian Dior passes away and is succeeded as artistic director by Yves Saint Laurent. 1960Yves Saint Laurent is called up for military service and replaced by Marc Bohan, formerly head of the Christian Dior subsidiary in London. |
1961
Elizabeth Taylor wears a Soiree a Rio dress with green chiffon top and ivory faille skirt to collect her Academy Award for best actress. The first Dior boutique opens in London.
1967
The Dior brand expands with the creation of the Miss Dior ready-to-wear line and the inauguration of the first Baby Dior childrenswear boutique in Paris.
1968
The creation of Dior Cosmetics sees the brand introduce its first comprehensive beauty range. Later this year Parfums Christian Dior is sold to Moët Hennessy.
| Wilhelmina modelling a Dior dress. Credit: Kristine/Creative Commons | A Dior look in Vogue, 1956. Credit: Kristine/Creative Commons |
1970
Marc Bohan designs Dior’s first mens ready-to-wear collection.
1978
The Marcel Broussac Group, which helped finance the formation of Dior in 1946, files for bankruptcy. The Dior trademark and assets are sold to the Willot Group.
1981
Dior is chosen by several notable guests, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Queen Alexandra of Yugoslavia and Lady Pamela Hicks, to create gowns for the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer.
1984
After the Willot Group files for bankruptcy in 1982, a group of directors led by Bernard Arnault buys Dior for a symbolic one franc. Arnault is appointed president of the Christian Dior Company the next year.
The Dior flagship at 30 Avenue Montaigne. Credit: Frederic Bisson
1987
The 40th anniversary of the brand is celebrated with an exhibition - Homage to Christian Dior: 1947-1957 - at the Museé des Arts Decoratifs in Paris.
1989
Marc Bohan leaves Dior for Norman Hartnell. Gianfranco Ferré is appointed artistic director of women’s collections.
1995
The Lady Dior bag is created in honour of Princess Diana and immediately joins a line-up of must-have Dior It bags.
1996
John Galliano replaces Gianfranco Ferré as artistic director of women’s collections. The Christian Dior: 1947-1957 exhibition is held at New York’s Met Museum to mark the 50th anniversary of the house.
The former Granville mansion and current Dior museum. Credit: Simon Courtecuisse
1997
The Granville mansion once owned by the Dior family - and repossessed by the town during the 1929 crash - is transformed into the Christian Dior museum. The Avenue Montaigne boutique also reopens with new interiors by Peter Marino.
1998
Victoire de Castellane is appointed the first artistic director of Dior Fine Jewellery.
2000
Hedi Slimane is appointed artistic director of Dior Homme.
2007
Kris van Assche replaces Hedi Slimane as creative director of Dior Homme. A retrospective fashion show is held at the Palace of Versailles to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Dior brand.
2011
Following an anti-semitic outburst in a bar in Paris, John Galliano leaves Dior and is replaced the following year by Raf Simons.
2016
Raf Simons resigns on good terms and is replaced by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who joins Dior from Valentino.
2017
The Arnault family buys out minority investors in Dior for $13 billion, folding it into the LVMH luxury empire.
2018
Kim Jones replaces Kris Van Assche as head of Dior Homme. Joining from Louis Vuitton, his first outing is not a show but the morning suit worn by David Beckham to Prince Harry’s wedding.
2020
The coronavirus pandemic sees Dior present both its AW20 Couture and SS21 Menswear collections in purely digital formats. While Maria Grazia Chiuri remains traditional, with a fashion film named Le Mythe de Dior featuring miniaturised versions of the collection in homage to 1945’s Théâtre de la Mode travelling exhibition, menswear designer Kim Jones takes critics of house’s diversity head on with a digital show featuring all black modelscreated in collaboration with painter Amoako Boafo.
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FAQs
What is the history of Dior? ›
The company was founded in 1946 by French fashion designer Christian Dior (1905–1957), who was originally from Normandy. This brand sells shoes and clothing exclusive to Dior boutiques. Haute couture is under the Christian Dior Couture division. Pietro Beccari has been the CEO of Christian Dior Couture since 2018.
How would you describe Dior? ›Christian Dior, more commonly known as Dior, is a luxury goods company famed for revolutionizing the women's fashion industry. The brand has been cited as the catalyst for Paris' revival as the fashion capital of the world after it fell from its prominent position after WWII.
What is Dior's aesthetic? ›Dior's work uniquely indexed the character of French national nostalgia in the postwar years, installing an aesthetic of femininity that recalled the years of apparent French glory. In effect, Dior materialized a longing for a nebulous pre-war (even pre-World War I) past through his designs.
What was Dior's first product? ›Dior started with fragrance, introducing Miss Dior, which he dedicated to his sister. It was also around this time that Dior realized that to continue his New Look, his brand needed to provide the entire fashion experience.
What is the meaning of the word Dior? ›Origin:French. Meaning:golden. Dior is a gender-neutral name of French origin with rich ties to the fashion elite. Related to the surname D'Or, meaning "golden," its most famous wearer is, of course, Christian Dior.
What are 3 interesting facts about Dior? ›- He dabbled in anarchism. ...
- His sibling influenced a famous fragrance. ...
- He was a 'Tyrant of Hemlines' ...
- He was highly superstitious. ...
- Bathtime was a hub of creativity. ...
- His death is shrouded in mystery. ...
- A 21-year-old Yves Saint Laurent was photographed at his funeral.
“Our House continually reinvents the unique heritage and savoir-faire created by Monsieur Dior. We are avid to share this dream with our customers around the world, the embodiment of Parisian haute couture, infused with the values of excellence, innovation and audacity.”
What is the symbol of Dior? ›The Flowers
Dior's adoration of flowers has been well documented. The lily of the valley was his favourite - and has been given in France as a symbol of hope, good luck, and renewal since the 16th century.
Luxurious Craftsmanship: Each of Dior's collections evoke sensuality through their intricate embroidery and signature motifs. The construction of the house's garments consists of a concealed craft that only a skilled couture atelier at their peak can achieve.
What makes Dior Iconic? ›Being the most influential fashion designer of the late 1940s and 1950s, Christian Dior influenced fashion after World War II with the gorgeous silhouette of his voluptuous New Look. He was so famous in France at the time that it seemed as if he wasn't a man but an institution.
What is Dior's iconic lucky charm? ›
In these new spring days, Christian Dior was also keenly awaiting the arrival of his lucky flower: lily of the valley. Superstitious and attentive, he slipped a sprig of the delicate dried flower into the hem of every one of his haute couture models, and always kept it with him.
What was Dior inspired by? ›Christian Dior loved nature, whether his garden at Milly-la-Forêt, his vines at La Colle Noire, or the lily-of-the-valley that brought him good luck. For him, it was always about flowers, going so far as to inspire the idea of dressing women in blooms and petals cut in fabric.
Why does Dior use a bee? ›The bee is a long-standing symbol of Dior, inspired by Christian Dior's image of his fashion house as a bustling hive of activity.
What is Dior most famous item? ›- Christian Dior's famous Bar suit from his debut collection in 1947 is composed of a full skirt, cinched waist, a fitted jacket.
- Yves Saint Laurent adjusts a Trapèze Dress for Dior on Svetlana Lloya in 1958.
The vision statement for Christian Dior is, "To become the world's most popular brand in all products that enhance their lifestyle." Christian Dior Couture. Christian Dior Couture group have more than 4000 stores globally with presence in 35 countries across the globe.
Is Dior a real name? ›Christian Dior, (born January 21, 1905, Granville, France—died October 24, 1957, Montecatini, Italy), French fashion designer whose creations dominated world fashion in the decade following World War II.
Is Dior male or female? ›Christian Dior was a French couturier, best known for his eponymous fashion house which is often referred to as just Dior. Born in the seaside town of Granville on the coast of Normandy in 1905, he was the son of a wealthy fertiliser manufacturer and was one of five children.
How did Dior change fashion? ›Christian Dior's reputation as one of the most important couturiers of the twentieth century was launched in 1947 with his very first collection, in which he introduced the "New Look." Featuring rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, a very full skirt, the "New Look" celebrated ultra-femininity and opulence in women's ...
What is the difference between Dior and Dior? ›Christian Dior and Dior are the same. The former refers to the founding designer of his namesake fashion house, Dior.
What makes Dior competitive? ›It's all about the mindset! Customers buy Dior couture for its use of elaborate techniques, high quality fabrics, detailed design, and professional craftsmanship. They value the work that was put into the final product itself.
What is Dior's target audience? ›
Dior targets high-end customers who are always willing to pay high prices as long as they are assured of high-quality products.
What is the marketing strategy of Dior? ›Unlike marketing that can be used for other brands, marketing for luxury brands is focused on a specific audience. And the main value is exclusivity. This is well known to Dior, one of the most important brands in the world.
Who is Dior's favorite model? ›It's hard to believe that two years after this photograph of Christian Dior and his favourite model, Lucie Daouphars (otherwise known as Lucky), was taken in 1955 the great couturier would be dead.
What color represents Dior? ›The identity of such an iconic company is also a matter of color – that of Christian Dior is Trianon gray, sometimes called Montaigne gray. The return of a key color in French luxury. 1947, was the year that Christian Dior purchased 30 Avenue Montaigne.
What is the Dior pattern called? ›The oblique pattern, named after Christian Dior's fall/winter collection 1950/ 51, was revealed to the general public in 1969. The first time the print appeared on the runway was on a bag from the Haute Couture collection. The print then decorated most of the house's luggage collection in 1971.
What famous people wear Dior? ›- of 10. Leelee Sobieski. Christian Dior Couture Fall 2012. ...
- of 10. Jennifer Lawrence. Christian Dior Resort 2014. ...
- of 10. Natalie Portman. Christian Dior Spring 2014. ...
- of 10. Allison Williams. ...
- of 10. Charlize Theron. ...
- of 10. Nicole Kidman. ...
- of 10. Marion Cotillard. ...
- of 10. Michelle Williams.
Traditionally, the Lady Dior is crafted from cannage-quilted lambskin.
What style did Dior create? ›Christian Dior's reputation as one of the most important couturiers of the twentieth century was launched in 1947 with his very first collection, in which he introduced the “New Look.” Featuring rounded shoulders, a cinched waist, and very full skirt, the New Look celebrated ultra-femininity and opulence in women's ...
Who was the best Dior designer? ›The Birth of Miss Dior
Best known for his elegant and conservative design, Marc Bohan was credited as the man who kept the spirit of Dior while creating wearable pieces.
1. Isabella Adjani. Isabella Adjani features prominently on the list of the most influential Dior global ambassadors.
What is Dior's ethos? ›
women - Christian Dior's values were those of excellence in all that he undertook, of elegance and of craftsmanship reflecting his unique talent. His mission was not only to make his clients indeed all more beautiful, but also to make them happy, to help them dream.
Who is Dior's muse? ›The Amazing Story of Alla Ilchun, the Kazakh Muse of Christian Dior. Alla Ilchun (1926 - March 8, 1989) was the first Euro-Asian model who has worked for twenty years at Dior. She was famous for her waist of 4...
What is the name of the place where some of Dior's perfume flowers are grown? ›The Chateau de La Colle Noire illustrates this return to source, with the cultivation of flowers and the creation of perfumes in the “great Grasse countryside” that has been the inspiration for the Christian Dior fragrances.
How has Dior impacted the world? ›In 10 short years, Christian Dior revitalized and revolutionized the fashion industry. When he burst on the Paris fashion scene in 1947, his New Look created an international frenzy never seen before or since.
Where is Dior originally made? ›Founded by Christian Dior, born January 1905, the fashion house was established in December 1946 at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Why did Dior create the new look? ›After World War II, the New Look intended to revive the lavish fashions of the 19th century and the French Belle Époque. In 1949, Dior made his point clear with a fall collection inspired by the Roman mythology for which he embellished dresses with ombréed petals, sequins, rhinestones, and pearls.
What brand does the bee represent? ›A cushion from Gucci's home collection features the brand's signature bee motif. The bee figures prominently in the mythology of nearly every culture, including those of the Mayans, Hindus, Egyptians, and ancient Greeks.
Why is it called Miss Dior? ›Miss Dior dates to 1947, shortly after the Christian Dior fashion line debuted its acclaimed New Look collection. The fragrance's name was a tribute to the designer's sister, French resistance fighter Catherine Dior, familiarly known as Miss Dior.
Who is the nose for Dior? ›Demachy is a French perfumier, better known as a "nose," who has been designing fragrances for Dior since 2006. The trailer explains that creating a fragrance is like "composing a symphony." Every every ingredient, every note is deliberate and in sync with the whole.
Is Dior the biggest brand? ›Christian Dior came in as the apparel king, rising 27 spots to be number 189 on the overall list and the biggest in the apparel industry with $43.6 billion in sales, $1.95 billion in profit and $68.3 billion in assets.
Which is more popular Gucci or Dior? ›
Gucci is the hottest brand online in 2022, again. Its share of search interest continues to decline, however (from 17.5% in 2020 to 15.2% in 2021 and now 14.8% in 2022). Dior continues its steady assent from #5 in 2020 to #4 in 2021 and now #2 in 2022.
What is the most classic Dior bag? ›1. Lady Dior Bag. Arguably one of the most popular Dior bags to ever exist, the Lady bag first launched in 1995, however, it didn't earn its name until Princess Diana wore it in Paris (thus, propelling it to cult status) later that year.
What is Dior known for today? ›The company was founded in 1946 by French fashion designer Christian Dior (1905–1957), who was originally from Normandy. This brand sells shoes and clothing exclusive to Dior boutiques. Haute couture is under the Christian Dior Couture division.
Does Dior have a logo? ›Although DIOR as a brand is strongly associated with prestige, glamor and wealth, the DIOR logo is a simple, rather minimalist word mark used in one solid color. The contrast between the rich values of the brand and its logo is a striking visual reflection of the iconic heritage of the luxury brand.
How did Dior became famous? ›Being the most influential fashion designer of the late 1940s and 1950s, Christian Dior influenced fashion after World War II with the gorgeous silhouette of his voluptuous New Look. He was so famous in France at the time that it seemed as if he wasn't a man but an institution.
What is Dior's purpose? ›OUR MISSION: to leave a legacy of beauty and be fully committed | DIOR.
How did Dior impact the world? ›Dior was instrumental in commercializing Parisian fashion on a worldwide basis and in regaining for Parisian couturiers the ground that had temporarily been lost to American designers. Upon Dior's death in 1957, his assistant Yves Saint Laurent took over the couture house.
Who created the Dior pattern? ›Originally the pattern was created in 1967 by Marc Bohan famous for his 30 years as Creative Director (1961-89) and the force behind Christian Dior's most iconic collections. The oblique pattern, named after Christian Dior's fall/winter collection 1950/ 51, was revealed to the general public in 1969.
What was Dior's lucky charm? ›In these new spring days, Christian Dior was also keenly awaiting the arrival of his lucky flower: lily of the valley. Superstitious and attentive, he slipped a sprig of the delicate dried flower into the hem of every one of his haute couture models, and always kept it with him.
What is brand identity of Dior? ›Dior logo's meaning and history
Founded in 1946, DIOR has always been amongst the most sought after luxury brands of the world. Although DIOR as a brand is strongly associated with prestige, glamor and wealth, the DIOR logo is a simple, rather minimalist word mark used in one solid color.
What are the core values of Dior? ›
women - Christian Dior's values were those of excellence in all that he undertook, of elegance and of craftsmanship reflecting his unique talent. His mission was not only to make his clients indeed all more beautiful, but also to make them happy, to help them dream.