Christian Dior

Born in Granville, Normandy, France in 1905, Dior departed from his political science studies to focus on music, but instead invested his time running an art gallery and traveling. In 1935, Dior began selling his fashion illustrations to newspapers. From 1935 to 1942, Dior worked for Robert Piguet, Lelong, and Pierre Balmain.

In 1947, Dior designed his first collection after Marcel Boussac offered him the opportunity to open his own couture house. Dior’s line, initially called Corelle, was nicknamed the “new look” based on Dior’s signature full skirt that blossomed from a tiny waist, stiffened, boned bodices, and hats that were worn at an angle which was often accompanied by a choker necklace.

Dior’s last collection, in 1957, was based on the Vareuse, a garment with a stand-away collar, cut to hang loosely to the hips. He also demonstrated oriental tunic dresses, and beltless chemise dresses with a standaway collar and patch pockets. Dior’s keen eye for elegance of line and structured silhouettes continues to influence designers worlwide.