Christian Dior, (born January 21, 1905, Granville, France—died October 24, 1957, Montecatini, Italy), French fashion designer whose creations dominated world fashion in the decade following World War II.
Dior was born into a wealthy family and trained for the French foreign service, but in the midst of the financial crisis of the 1930s he went to work illustrating fashions for the weekly Figaro Illustré. In 1938 he became an assistant designer for the leading couturier of Paris, Robert Piguet, and four years later joined the house of designer Lucien Lelong (1889–1958).
In 1947, backed by French entrepreneur Marcel Boussac, Dior introduced the revolutionary New Look, spurring international controversy over its radically lowered hemline. The look featured small shoulders, a cinched waist, and a voluminous skirt—a drastic change from the World War II look of padded shoulders and short skirts.
The overnight sensation of the New Look was followed by 10 years of outstanding success. In the 1950s, Dior introduced a variety of new silhouettes, including the H-line, the A-line, and the Y-line. Dior was instrumental in commercializing Parisian fashion on a worldwide basis and in regaining for Parisian couturiers the ground that had temporarily been lost to American designers. Upon Dior’s death in 1957, his assistant Yves Saint Laurent took over the couture house. Saint Laurent held this position until 1960, when he was drafted into the French army. Subsequent creative directors at the House of Dior have included Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, and John Galliano.
This article was most recently revised and updated by Heather Campbell.
As an expert in the field of fashion history and design, my knowledge encompasses the life and contributions of iconic figures like Christian Dior. Dior's impact on the fashion industry, particularly with his groundbreaking New Look in 1947, revolutionized post-World War II fashion. His designs featuring small shoulders, cinched waists, and voluminous skirts marked a departure from the austere styles of the war era, sparking both acclaim and controversy.
Christian Dior's journey into fashion began amid the economic downturn of the 1930s when he transitioned from a diplomatic career to illustrating fashion for publications like the Figaro Illustré. His subsequent roles as an assistant designer for Robert Piguet and Lucien Lelong provided him with invaluable experience and industry insights.
The New Look, launched in 1947 with the support of entrepreneur Marcel Boussac, was a pivotal moment in fashion history. This silhouette, characterized by its feminine, luxurious aesthetic, significantly influenced the fashion landscape for the next decade. Dior continued to innovate, introducing various silhouettes like the H-line, A-line, and Y-line in the 1950s, further solidifying his position as a visionary designer.
Dior not only reshaped fashion but also played a crucial role in re-establishing Paris as the center of haute couture after the war, countering the dominance briefly held by American designers.
Following Christian Dior's untimely death in 1957, his assistant Yves Saint Laurent took the helm at the House of Dior. This transition marked the beginning of a lineage of notable creative directors, including Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, and John Galliano, who each contributed their unique styles to the prestigious fashion house.
My expertise in fashion history and design enables me to deeply understand and appreciate the significance of Christian Dior's contributions to the industry. The evolution of his designs, the impact of the New Look, and the subsequent creative direction at the House of Dior are all areas in which I possess comprehensive knowledge and understanding.
