Christian Dior The Brand
Ever since he launched his debut collection the New Look, in 1947, Christian Dior has been synonymous with feminine shapes and glamorous styles. His hour glass silhouettes and waspish waists were lauded as a welcome change to the dowdy utility wear enforced after World War II, creating a post war fashion revival, and thus pinpointing Dior as one of the first global fashion brands.
Dior was born in 1905. A lover of the arts, by 1928, aged just 23, he had opened the Galerie Jacques Bonjean gallery in 1928, which featured work by Pablo Picasso, Jean Cocteau and Max Jacob.
In February 1947, Christian Dior held his first couture show. The show sent ripples of excitement through the fashion world, with Carmel Snow, the editor of Harper’s Bazaar, heralding the collection as “Quite a revelation”. The New Look was a hit and soon Rita Hayworth had ordered a dress for the premiere of her film, Gilda. Even the British Royal Family were enamoured by Dior’s magnificent creations; so much so that he created a p
rivate show just for them. Dior’s classic styles were so successful that for his whole career he stuck to the same commercial formula for every new line: one third new, one third adaptations of familiar styles and one third proven classics.
When Christian Dior died in 1957, Yves Saint Laurent was appointed head designer of the House of Dior. Despite the huge pressure to live up to Dior’s success, Saint Laurent’s debut collection was an instant triumph and he was heralded as a national treasure.
1997 saw Dior spark controversy through the fashion world when they appointed John Galliano as head designer. The idea that a boy from South London could be trusted with Paris’ finest couture outraged conventional fashion worshippers. Yet the fabulously flamboyant Galliano has proved his critics wrong, indeed, breathing a new creativity into the House of Dior and taking the brand from strength to strength. In 2007 Dior celebrated it’s 60th anniversary, with Galliano producing a spectacular couture extravaganza, placing Dior firmly on the map as a truly iconic name in fashion.
Christian Dior Classics
Over the past 60 years, Christian Dior has established itself as a global multi-brand, covering couture, womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, accessories, eyewear, fine jewellery, fragrance, make up, skincare and even mobile phones.
From the tiny cinched in waists, to the extravagant bustles and embroidery, Dior remains a byword for drama. Given that the House of Dior remains one of the few cou
ture houses still in operation, this has a hug influence on the ready-to-wear collections, meaning Galliano’s flamboyance often overflows, creating exuberant designs. Embroidered blouses, nipped in jackets, voluminous skirts and high waisted trousers are key ready-to-wear shapes from Dior.
Since Hedi Slimane was appointed head of Dior Homme, menswear has seen a move towards slimmer shapes with drainpipe suit trousers becoming a signature Dior Homme look. Since Kris Van Assche took over from Slimane in 2007, Dior Homme has become a little more voluminous in it’s trouser shapes, however, the skinny leg still prevails.
Dior’s gorgeous handbags are popular with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham. Sought after styles include, the Python shoulder back, the Karenina, the Rendez-Vous, the Bee bag, the Avenue bag, Le Plisse shopper, the Croisette and the 61 bag.
Dior’s retro sunglasses remain a must have, along with J’Adore, Dior’s best selling fragrance and the Dior Addict make up range.
