Few brand names in the field of luxury fashion have the reputation of Dior. The company was established in Paris in 1946 and has thereby influenced the way the world understands elegance for almost eight decades. The following guide looks at the history of Dior and explains why celebrities are still so devoted to the brand.

The Birth of Dior

Christian Dior was born in 1905 in the French town of Granville and, prior to entering the fashion industry, worked in art galleries and drew designs for other designers. In December 1946 he founded his own couture house at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris with the financial support of the textile merchant Marcel Boussac, an address which is still Dior’s historic one.

The “New Look” That Changed Fashion

When Dior presented his first collection in February 1947, he became famous all at once; it included rounded shoulders, a narrowed waist and a full skirt. Since people had been suffering the restrictions on fabric during the war years, this luxurious style came as a great relief. According to the editor of Harper’s Bazaar, Carmel Snow, it was called a “new look” and that name was kept on. The Dior New Look changed the way femininity was seen and once more made Paris the heart of the fashion world.

Beyond Clothing

From the beginning Dior realised that a brand could offer more than just dresses; the Miss Dior perfume was introduced in 1947 and then accessories, jewellery and cosmetics followed. The company soon obtained licences on a worldwide basis and thus established a business model which many other luxury brands later imitated.

Creative Leaders After Christian Dior

Christian Dior died suddenly in 1957 and at that time Yves Saint Laurent, who was 21 then, assumed control of the house. Since then, there have been designers who continued with this tradition, some of whom include Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri. These designers brought a unique style of their own into the label while at the same time adhering to the romantic philosophy of the founder of the brand.

Why Celebrities Love Dior

Several factors explain Dior’s strong celebrity appeal:

Famous products include the Lady Dior bag, which became a global symbol of status after Princess Diana wore it, as well as the Saddle bag, J’adore and Sauvage fragrances, all of which are also immediately recognised.

At glamorous red carpet events, such as the Oscars, Cannes, and the Met Gala, Dior’s couture dresses give the celebrities a striking and camera-friendly appearance.

Well-known ambassadors include Jennifer Lawrence, Charlize Theron, Johnny Depp and Robert Pattinson, who have all appeared in major Dior advertising campaigns and have thus kept the brand in the public eye.

Wearing Dior shows that one has taste, history, and prestige, all of which are precisely the image that public figures would like to project.

Dior Today

Dior now offers a range of products which includes women’s fashion, men’s fashion, handbags, shoes, jewellery, beauty products and fragrances and is still one of the most valuable luxury brands in the world. The combination of its haute couture craftsmanship with its current relevance in pop culture ensures that each new generation remains interested.

Conclusion

The story of Dior is one of vision and good timing; starting with the 1947 New Look and ending with the launch of the Lady Dior bag, Christian Dior’s brand has established a reputation for beauty and elegance. It is this reputation, together with its memorable appearances on the red carpet, which causes celebrities and fashion enthusiasts to continue choosing Dior today.