Christian Dior is one of the more interesting stories in fashion history. Born in Normandy, France in 1905, Dior came into fashion in a roundabout way. He also accomplished most of his success in the last ten years of his relatively brief and tumultuous life.
Having studied political science in his youth, Dior served in France's armed forces and then moved back to Paris in the mid-1930s. The times were hard and Dior began selling some of his fashion sketches to make money. After improving his designs over the next few years, he acquired his first real fashion job working for designer Robert Piguet in 1938.
Christian Dior in Fashion
World War II came and Dior was enlisted to serve in Southern France until 1941 when he was finally able to return to Paris. He acquired another apprenticeship, this time with the designing firm Lucien Lelong. Dior's designs were very well received and it was not to long before Dior established his own design house with the support of French entrepreneur Marcel Boussac.
Christian Dior Style
Dior was known for his extravagance in women’s wear in a post-war time when women had been used to shorter and boxier skirts, which had their roots in the war-time rationing of fabric. His "New Look," as it became known, was unapologetically feminine with skirts long, gown-like and opulent. The commercial success of his post-war designs led to a rapid rise in popularity, and also somewhat of a re-establishing of Paris as the center of the world of Haute Couture design.
Dior continued to run his successful fashion house until his sudden death at a health spa in Montecatini, Italy in 1957.
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Today the House of Dior has expanded beyond women's wear to include also menswear, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, and fragrances. The Dior accessory line includes eyewear, belts, hats, scarves and other accessories. Dior also features handbags and shoes.
Dior accessories are available at boutiques and fine department stores, including Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue and others.
As an expert in fashion history and Christian Dior, I bring a wealth of knowledge and understanding to the fascinating story of this iconic designer. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and a deep passion for the subject matter.
Christian Dior's journey in the world of fashion is a compelling narrative that begins in Normandy, France, in 1905. His foray into the industry was unconventional, having initially studied political science in his youth. Dior's resilience and creativity became evident during the challenging times of the mid-1930s when he returned to Paris after serving in France's armed forces. Struggling financially, he started selling his fashion sketches, marking the early stages of his career.
The pivotal moment came in 1938 when Dior secured his first significant position with designer Robert Piguet. Over the years, he honed his craft and gained valuable experience, leading to another apprenticeship with Lucien Lelong after his service in Southern France during World War II. His designs garnered widespread acclaim, paving the way for the establishment of his own design house with the backing of French entrepreneur Marcel Boussac.
Dior's distinctive style emerged in the post-war era, challenging the prevailing fashion norms. The "New Look" he introduced was a bold departure from the wartime austerity, featuring long, gown-like skirts that exuded femininity and opulence. This daring approach revolutionized women's wear, contributing to the re-establishment of Paris as the epicenter of Haute Couture design.
Tragically, Dior's prolific career was cut short by his sudden death at a health spa in Montecatini, Italy, in 1957. Despite the brevity of his life, his impact on the fashion world was profound and enduring.
Today, the House of Dior stands as a global fashion powerhouse, extending its influence beyond women's wear to encompass menswear, accessories, jewelry, beauty products, and fragrances. The accessory line, which includes eyewear, belts, hats, scarves, handbags, and shoes, reflects the brand's commitment to excellence and luxury. Dior products are available at prestigious boutiques and department stores such as Bergdorf Goodman, Bloomingdale's, Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and others.
In summary, Christian Dior's legacy is a testament to his visionary approach to fashion, reshaping the industry and leaving an indelible mark that continues to thrive in the House of Dior's diverse offerings today.
