CHRISTIAN DIOR

Christian Dior was a French fashion designer who is still making strong impact in todays’ new world. Dior grew up sheltered away in the seaside town of Granville on the coast of Normandy. He went from selling sketches to make some pocket money, to taking over a small gallery his father had bought for him with known paintings like Picasso. Amid the Great Depression, his father’s business collapsing and the death of his mother and brother, he was forced to closed down the gallery. He then moved on to work for designer Robert Piguet. After being called to the military in 1942, he then began working for couturier Lucien Long along with Pierre Balamin. In December 1947 on the 16th, Dior had opened the House of Dior. Following the opening, in 1947 he launched his first collection ‘Carolle’ and ‘Huit’, showcasing 90 different looks. One these looks became revolutionary, being named “New Look”, though iconic and reestablishing Paris as the joyful fashion capital, it also did create some controversy as it used excessive amounts of fabric at a time of post-war fabric restrictions. Dior continued to flourish as the years followed, introducing the A-line, Y-line and the H-line. After only being the fashion with his own brand for 10 years, Dior had passed away from a heart attack in 1957. His assistant Yves Saint Laurent took over the brand and becoming an instant success even at the age of 21. Till this day Dior’s creative impacts still pave the way with luxury fashion.