In January 1905, Christian Dior entered the world in a quaint coastal town in Normandy, France, as the second eldest among five siblings. His family, led by a prosperous fertilizer manufacturer father, relocated to Paris when Christian was just five, yet they returned to their Normandy roots for summer retreats. Years later, the Dior Museum was erected to honor the birthplace of the renowned fashion designer. Despite his father's aspirations for him to pursue politics, Dior's heart lay in artistry. He began selling his fashion sketches from the family home, each fetching 10 francs. Nevertheless, familial pressure led him to enroll in the École des Sciences Politiques, where he delved into political science. Post-graduation in 1928, Dior embarked on opening a modest art gallery with his father's financial backing, albeit with the condition that the family name adorned the gallery's entrance. Here, alongside his colleague, Dior showcased works by distinguished artists like Pablo Picasso. Tragic circumstances, including the Great Depression and the loss of his parents and brother, forced Dior to shutter the gallery in 1931.
In 1937, Dior found employment as an assistant to fashion designer Robert Piguet, who instilled in him the essence of simplicity as the cornerstone of true elegance. Notable among Dior's creations during his tenure with Piguet was the Café Anglais, a short, voluminous skirt that captivated fashion enthusiasts. However, with the outbreak of World War II, Dior enlisted in the French army, temporarily halting his burgeoning fashion career. Upon war's end, he returned to Paris and, with the backing of textile magnate Marcel Boussac, established his eponymous fashion house in 1946. Dior's debut collection in 1947, named "Corolle" after a botanical term signifying a circle of flower petals, earned its moniker "New Look" from Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow, encapsulating the essence of its revolutionary style. In stark contrast to the wartime austerity, the New Look collection exuded femininity and opulence, redefining post-war fashion and propelling Paris back to its preeminence as the global fashion capital.
Christian Dior's legacy endures in the fashion world, with his iconic handbags such as the Diorama, Saddle Bag, and the timeless Lady Dior—aptly renamed in honor of Princess Diana, a loyal carrier of the bag. Discover Timeless Vintage's collection of authentic, preowned Christian Dior handbags, totes, and wallets, each a testament to Dior's enduring influence on fashion.
