Dior

Christian Dior was founded in 1946 by French fashion designer Christian Dior, specializing in haute couture, leather goods, jewelry, watches, perfumes, and cosmetics. It is currently owned by LVMH, the world’s largest luxury conglomerate.

The History of Christian Dior

Christian Dior (1905-1957) was born in Normandy, France. Initially studying political science in Paris, he pursued his passion for art by opening a gallery, which closed during the Great Depression. At 33, he became a fashion illustrator for Robert Piguet and later joined Lucien Lelong’s fashion house, marking his entry into fashion design.

In the mid-1940s, Dior decided to establish his own fashion house with funding from industrialist Marcel Boussac. Boussac initially offered Dior a position at Philippe et Gaston, but Dior declined, leading Boussac to finance his eponymous brand.

In December 1946, Christian Dior opened his first boutique at 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris. His debut haute couture show in February 1947 featured the Corolle collection and the iconic “New Look” (EN 8 line). That March, Christian Dior Parfums launched its first fragrance, Miss Dior.

30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris

By the late 1940s, Dior expanded internationally, hosting its first overseas haute couture show in Sydney (1948) and opening its first U.S. boutique on New York’s Fifth Avenue. Through licensing, Dior built a global fashion empire.

Dior quickly became a favorite among European royalty and Hollywood stars, including Princess Margaret of England. On August 21, 1951, she wore a Dior gown for her 21st birthday and later visited Dior’s Paris headquarters. The brand honored her with two fashion shows at Blenheim Palace.

Princess Margaret in Dior at her 21st birthday celebration, August 21, 1951

In 1957, Dior became the first French fashion designer featured on the cover of TIME magazine. He passed away on October 24 that year, succeeded by his assistant Yves Saint Laurent. After Saint Laurent’s military conscription in 1960, Marc Bohan took over as creative director.

The 1960s saw Dior’s expansion into ready-to-wear with Miss Dior and Baby Dior children’s line. Key developments included the acquisition of Dior Parfums by Moët Hennessy and the launch of Dior Cosmetics and Dior Homme.

Dior dressed royalty for landmark events: Queen Farah Pahlavi of Iran’s wedding (1959) and coronation (1967), Queen Silvia of Sweden‘s wedding (1976), and Princess Diana‘s wedding (1980).

Yves Saint Laurent designing Queen Farah Pahlavi’s wedding dress

Economic shifts led to ownership changes: Marcel Boussac Group’s bankruptcy (1978), Willot Group’s takeover (1978-1981), and finally acquisition by Bernard Arnault’s investment group in 1984, now LVMH.

In 1989, LVMH appointed Gianfranco Ferré as artistic director. In 1995, he designed the Lady Dior bag (originally “Chouchou”), featuring the iconic Cannage quilting and “DIOR” charm. After Princess Diana frequently carried it, the bag was renamed in her honor in 1996.

Princess Diana with her Lady Dior bag

After Ferré, John Galliano became artistic director in 1996, introducing the Saddle bag in 1999. Though discontinued, it was revived in 2018 by current artistic director Maria Grazia Chiuri.

Christian Dior Fall 2018 show featuring Maria Grazia Chiuri’s designs

In the 21st century, Dior celebrated milestones: a 60th-anniversary show at Versailles (2007) and the “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition (2017). In 2017, LVMH acquired Dior’s fashion division for €6.5 billion.

Dior Spring 2018 Haute Couture

Dior Spring 2018 Ready-to-Wear

Dior Fall 2018 Haute Couture

Dior Fall 2018 Ready-to-Wear

Timeline