Dior lip oils and saddle bags are definitely the “it” girls in the 21st-century, but what if I told you they have a history of being the “it” girl.

Christian Dior was born in 1905 in Normandy. He moved with his family at a young age to Paris and as he got older, he befriended many artists in Paris. He became so invested in art that he opened an art gallery with his friend Jacques Bonjean in 1928. He began to find his true passions for fashion and started working for Lucien Lelong in 1941. 

In 1946, he left his job as a designer for Lelong and opened his own fashion house with the assistance of Marcel Boussac. His first collection was released in 1947 and was named the “New Look” by Harper’s Bazaar. The collection emphasized an hourglass figure focusing on a cinched waist and a full skirt. 

Dior’s New Look defined much of the fashion in the 1950s beyond just Paris. The fashion was adopted in many European countries and the United States as they leaned into a more feminine style for women in their post-war culture. 

The following year, Dior released his first perfume called “Miss Dior.” It quickly became a favorite of many women across the world. He then opened his storefront on Fifth Avenue in New York City helping him secure his long-term effect on American fashion.

His work did not go unnoticed. Not only was he praised by thousands, if not millions, of women, he was also given multiple awards; a notable one being the French Legion of Honor which he received in 1950.

Dior became more than just perfume and handbags, he even started a branch of shoes in 1953 called the Christian Dior-Delman, eventually being renamed Christian Dior by Roger Vivier. From hats, to fur coats, to jewelry, to ties Dior created it all in the 50s. 

After the sudden death of Christian Dior in 1957, Yves Saint Laurent took over as the creative director. Shortly after, in 1960, Marc Bohan became the creative director. After his supervision, his assistant Philippe Guibourgé, launched Dior’s first ready-to-wear collection in 1967. 

In the following decades Dior released a skincare line, wristwatches, and much more. Now the company’s fate lies in the hands of Jonathan Anderson, and it is clear the company is doing just fine! I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Dior!

Till next Sunday,

Daisy