The creator of one of the most successful fashion houses in the world, Christian Dior would have been celebrating his 116th birthday today, the 21st of January. So today of all days is when we should reflect on his career and what he brought into the world.
The brand known as Dior was founded in late 1946 but it wasn't until early 1947 that the designer dropped his first collection, a Spring Summer collection. People loved his designs because of their elegant and gorgeous style. Quickly the brand became loved by hundreds and thousands of people.
Dior established a plan for a post-WW2 showcase of fashion. He wanted to include things people hadn't seen before such as unique styles, silhouettes and cuts.
Above, a picture from Harpers Bazaar shows, a tight waist and a flowing skirt. This style wasn't something that, in the 1940s-50s, women wore often. With his post-war collection he wanted to impress people and make something eye catching.
Not long after opening his first in person shop in Paris, he introduced it in other countries the first being the USA, specifically Fifth Avenue, New York City. Introducing his brand in other countries meant that it grew more rapidly and became more familiar. The growth in business lead to his decision to widen his collection meaning perfumes were introduced. The first fragrance was Miss Dior, a feminine perfume that is still popular and used to this day.
Above, Christian Dior standing in front of his first shop in Paris, picture from The Guardian.
In 1957, the fashion world experienced a huge sadness after loosing Dior at the age of 52. So many people felt an effect of his death as such an influential name was gone. After the death, Yves Saint Laurent (who had been working as C.D's assistant) took over as artistic director at the age of 21. Even though it wasn't Christian directing the collections, Y.S.L made sure to keep his taste and style present Y.S.L left this position after being requested to serve in the French army during the Algerian War Of Independence.
From there, the brand started gaining more recognition and the sales increased. As time went on more people began to wear Dior including big names one of which being Princess Diana! Below, a picture of Princess Diana (from British Vogue) in a white suit accessorised with a black Lady Dior bag.
Still to this day, Dior's work is recognised. We see it on celebrities, red carpets, in street style and on social media. The runway collections released still reflect his taste in silhouettes, fit, colours and patterns. To C.Dior, thank you for introducing such revolutionary ideas into the world of fashion, you have changed it forever.
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