Designer File: Christian Dior

23.May,2012

Considered one of history’s premier fashion figures, Christian Dior’s designs revolutionised women’s fashion following the bleak wartime years, creating a brand that today remains one of the world’s most influential.

Born in Normandy in 1905, Christian Dior founded his eponymous brand in 1946. His revolutionary debut collection was received to great acclaim, introducing the world to an iconic silhouette that was dubbed the ‘New Look’ of a post-war era.

Dior was also the first couturier to licence his designs to be manufactured across the world, allowing him to build an empire which included haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, cosmetics and fragrances.

During his career, the designer worked alongside Pierre Balmain and mentored a young Yves Saint Laurent – who famously took leadership of the brand upon Dior’s sudden death in 1957 at the age of 52.

Since his death, the house of Dior has continued to flourish, with fashion heavyweights including YSL, John Galliano and Raf Simmons at the helm. To this day Dior remains one of the world’s most influential design establishments.

Dior’s ready-to-wear collections are renowned for their seductive blend of classic silhouette and playful innovation.

The house is also famous for producing some of the world’s most coveted haute-couture designs.

Dior’s influence is reflected in its seasonal accessory and beauty campaigns, which feature leading ladies from across the globe. The faces of Dior have included the likes of Natalie Portman, Charlize Theron, Marion Cotillard, Mila Kunis and Kate Moss, just to name a few.