History of Christian Dior

Christian Dior was born on January 21, 1905, in the small town of Granville, in Normandy. He had no intention, as a young man, to become a dressmaker. The son of a wealthy chemical fertilizer manufacturer, young Dior was expected to go into diplomacy.

But at the age of 23, influenced by friendships he had formed with a number of artists, he turned his back on diplomacy to become an art dealer. Post war 1938, Dior was hired by renowned designer, Robert Piguet, to design a line of full-length dresses. And in 1941, Dior returned to Paris from the battlefield and was hired by Lucien Lelong’s design house for the next five years.

In 1946, when the French Ministry of Production lifted cloth rationing, Dior, with the backing of Marcel Boussac, French cotton millionaire, set up his own salon at 30, ave. Montaigne which is still home to the house of Dior.

Dior’s greatest feat was the “New Look” in 1947, when he seized and held for France the style leadership of the world after it had threatened to pass to the United States in the post-war years. For his achievement the French Government awarded the Legion of Honor to him.

Other Dior innovations included the Zigzag (generous decollete), the Vertical (high value on the bosom, leaving to the legs their length and elegance), the Oval (underlining the roundness of the hips), the Profile ("precision" in molding the contours) and the Tulip (high bosom).

Today, Christian Dior is still said to be the most recognized name in fashion. The house of Dior currently operates under the name Christian Dior Couture and is headed by Bernaud Arnault.

Christian Dior flagship bags

1. Large Red Dior 61 Bag

It is the latest style from Dior in 2008 Ready-to-wear fashion show. However, its bright color and subtle facade is hip and pop among aficionados. It is crafted from red grained leather, featuring removable silver-tone metal and red leather “D” letter. Two flat pockets on the front of the bag are convenient for daily using. 40×30×19cm is ample for working and shopping. It is a splurge for ￡1,115.

2. Black Quilted Patent Lady Dior Bag

Reinterpreted each season, this Lady Dior has become a versatile icon bag of the House. Crafted in black quilted patent leather with “Cannage” stitching, it features one zipped pocket and one cell phone pocket to organize your small essentials. The versatile size of 24×20×11cm is practical to hold working documents. This bag owes its name to the Princess Lady Diana, who received it as a gift during a visit to Paris and fell in love with it. Now it weights heft for ￡1,250.