Christian Dior

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Christian Dior 1954

Christian Dior (21 January 1905 – 24 October 1957) was a French fashion designer, best known as the founder of one of the world's top fashion houses, Dior. His fashion houses are now all around the globe.

Early Life

Christian Dior was born in Granville, a seaside town on the coast of Normandy, France. He was the second of five children of Maurice Dior, a wealthy fertilizer manufacturer, and his wife, Madeleine Martin. Despite his parents' hopes that he would become a diplomat, Dior was artistically inclined and began selling his sketches outside his house for about 10 cents each.

Career

In 1946, with the financial backing of Marcel Boussac, a textile magnate, Dior founded his own fashion house. The actual name of the first line of clothes he launched was "Corolle", but the phrase "New Look" was coined for his collection by Carmel Snow, the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar. Dior's designs were more voluptuous than the fabric-conserving shapes of the recent World War II styles, influenced by the rations on fabric. He was a master at creating shapes and silhouettes; Dior is quoted as saying "I have designed flower women." His look employed fabrics lined predominantly with percale, boned, bustier-style bodices, hip padding, wasp-waisted corsets, and petticoats that made his dresses flare out from the waist, giving his models a very curvaceous form.

Throughout his career, Dior was instrumental in restoring French clothiers to the exalted status they enjoyed before the war. Not only did he revive French fashion, but his designs also became synonymous with haute couture.

Death

Christian Dior died while on holiday in Montecatini, Italy, on 24 October 1957. Some reports say the cause of death was a heart attack, but the exact cause is still somewhat disputed.

Legacy

After Dior's death, his assistant, Yves Saint Laurent, became head of the Dior house. Dior's fashion house continues to be a leading name in fashion, embodying elegance and style. It is renowned for its creativity, its high-end couture, and the quality of its products. The brand has expanded into skincare, fragrances, and accessories, becoming a symbol of luxury worldwide.

Impact on Fashion

Christian Dior's impact on fashion and design is immeasurable. He revolutionized women's fashion in the post-war era and his designs remain influential. He is credited with restoring Paris as the fashion capital of the world. His "New Look" silhouette continues to be celebrated and reinterpreted by designers today.