The House Dior Built
Christian Dior decided to open his Paris atelier under his own name, thanks to literally finding a lucky star on the sidewalk, and showed his first collection 70 years ago. Over the last seven decades and through six other artistic directors after his untimely death in 1957, the brand has become one of the most iconic — and admired — in fashion. Here, a look at the history of the House of Dior.
The luxury fashion house sees no deterrent to rolling out large stores.
Dior Milestone: Keeping the Spark Alive
Having introduced a new look for the fine jewelry arena, Victoire de Castellane likes to reinvent house codes.
Dior Milestone: Building a Classic
At 23, the Lady Dior bag has outlasted trends and a shuffling of creative directors.
“Yesterday’s truth is not tomorrow’s” in beauty, according to Claude Martinez.
As Dior’s first female couturier, Maria Grazia Chiuri has made waves with a feminist agenda.
Dior Milestone: The Steady Hand
Sidney Toledano’s skillful management has maintained Dior on a growth path through periods of internal and external change.
Dior Milestone: Keeper of the Flame
The French luxury titan reflects on the lessons of founder Christian Dior and sets out his confident vision for the house’s future.
Dior Milestone: Christian Dior the Gourmet
Dior’s love of classic French dishes led the house to release a cookbook, published in 1972.
Dior Milestone: Christian Dior by Those Who Knew Him
Luminaries described Dior as kind and reserved, with a staunch politeness that masked his humorous and secretive sides.
Dior Milestone: Dior in Brushstrokes
Illustrators from René Gruau to Mats Gustafson have helped capture the Dior spirit across the decades.
Dior Milestone: A Beauty Timeline
From Miss Dior to J’Adore and the Chateau La Colle Noire, Parfums Christian Dior has had a rich history.
A series of major exhibitions in Paris, Melbourne and Toronto have been timed to coincide with the house’s 70th anniversary.
From Princess Diana to Nicole Kidman, a history of Dior’s various designers’ work on the biggest global celebrities.
From the birth of Christian Dior to the designers who succeeded him, the house is steeped in history.
Dior Milestone: Christian Dior’s Mystical Leanings
Ridden by anxiety, Christian Dior led a life governed by superstition.
Dior Milestone: Heritage Brand
A new state-of-the-art facility in central Paris is helping Dior spread the word about its history.
Dior Milestone: Kris Van Assche on the Influence of Christian Dior
Though he never designed men’s wear, Dior’s exacting approach to the technical construction of clothes remains the designer’s biggest inspiration.
Dior Milestone: The Inner Workings
Christian Dior’s couture workshops, which recently doubled in size, make the creative director’s designs come to life.
Fran?ois Demachy, Dior’s perfumer-creator, outlines the house’s greatest fragrance hits.
SaveSave
Related stories
Dior Milestone: The Inner Workings
Dior Milestone: Kris Van Assche on the Influence of Christian Dior
Get more from WWD: Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Newsletter
Solve the daily Crossword
