- Feb 4, 2021
- 2 min read
Dior, a brand dripping with daring looks, luxury and elegance, was created in 1946 by Christian Dior in Paris, France. Since then, the House of Dior has remained on the frontlines of the fashion industry as a brand that creates revolutionary looks while still preserving refined femininity.
Christian Dior’s runway debut in 1947, with a collection of ready-to-wear haute couture looks, was an instant success and his contrast to the masculine, utilitarian style of the times with his ultra-feminine, form-fitting looks changed the tide of the style wave. So much so, that Dior’s first show started the proprietary name of “The New Look.” Dior then went on to clothe the hottest celebrities of the time along with members of the royal family.
Dior sadly passed away in 1957, and Yves Saint Laurent was named the creative director/head designer. With this, the Dior brand changed to a more unconventional look. Saint Laurent was removed from the position, with Marc Bohan replacing him. Bohan returned the brand to its original identity with the creation of the collection “Miss Dior.” After a successful run, the position of head designer was transitioned to the hands of Gianfranco Ferré in 1989. Ferré also changed the style of the brand, moving towards a "refined, sober and strict” palette. The House of Dior quickly turned into a worldwide, iconic name in fashion, and they opened stores in Hawaii, New York City, Tokyo and Los Angeles in 1989 and 1990.
In 1995, The House of Dior created a bag specifically for Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, who was one of the most admired and fashionable women of the time. The bag was naturally a hit success, and so Dior launched sales of an identical bag naming it the “Lady Dior,” one of the most iconic pieces of leather goods of all time.
By 1997, John Galliano, a designer comparable to Christian Dior himself and one endorsed by Anna Wintour (Editor-In-Chief of Vogue), was given the position to replace Ferré. During his time at The House of Dior, Galliano added a more erotic, provocative influence to the Dior brand. Under his control, the brand released its most recent iconic handbag, the Dior Saddlebag, in the Summer/Spring 2000 show.
In 2011, Galliano was fired due to accusations of anti-semitic comments. Upon his dismissal, Bill Gaytten was chosen to fill his position. Gaytten’s collections were ill-received, and in 2012, Raf Simons, a designer known for his modest, effortless pieces, was appointed as head designer. Simons returned the brand's look to the original feminine, elegant designs of Christian Dior’s first collection. There have been multiple designer changes since then, and currently, Maria Grazia Chiuri holds the position.
The House of Dior is long known for a history of picturesque runway displays, femininity, revolution and romanticism; and today it holds true to that by staying close to its roots with womanly silhouettes while also embracing modernity with hints of grunge. The House of Dior has always and will continue to own a position on the haute couture leaderboard.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of fashion and luxury brands, it's evident that my expertise extends to iconic houses such as Dior. My knowledge is not merely theoretical but grounded in a comprehensive understanding of the historical and stylistic evolution of Dior, as well as the key figures who have shaped its identity.
The article you provided delves into the rich history of the House of Dior, highlighting its inception by Christian Dior in 1946 and tracing its journey through various creative directors. Christian Dior's groundbreaking debut in 1947, marked by the introduction of the "New Look," signifies a pivotal moment in fashion history, a departure from the prevailing masculine styles towards ultra-feminine and form-fitting looks.
The narrative continues with Yves Saint Laurent's stint as creative director, marked by a shift towards a more unconventional look, and Marc Bohan's subsequent return to the brand's original identity with the "Miss Dior" collection. Gianfranco Ferré's era in 1989 ushered in a refined, sober, and strict palette, leading to the brand's global expansion with store openings in prominent cities.
The article also highlights the creation of the iconic "Lady Dior" bag in 1995, crafted specifically for Lady Diana, Princess of Wales, further cementing Dior's status as a fashion powerhouse. The appointment of John Galliano in 1997 brought an erotic and provocative influence, evidenced by the release of the Dior Saddlebag in 2000. However, his tenure was marred by controversy, leading to his dismissal in 2011.
The subsequent designers, including Bill Gaytten and Raf Simons, each left their mark on the brand, with Simons particularly returning to Christian Dior's original feminine and elegant designs. The article notes that Maria Grazia Chiuri currently holds the position of head designer, emphasizing Dior's commitment to blending its historical roots with modern influences, including hints of grunge.
In essence, the House of Dior's enduring legacy is characterized by picturesque runway displays, a commitment to femininity, revolution, and romanticism. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Dior's evolution, from its early revolutionary moments to its modern-day position on the haute couture leaderboard.
