Christian Dior

NAME Christian Dior

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Christian Dior revolutionized women's fashion with the "New Look" after World War II, establishing a globally renowned fashion house. His name is synonymous with luxury, sophistication, and timeless style.

BIRTH Christian Dior was born on January 21, 1905, in Granville, a picturesque seaside town on the coast of Normandy, France. 

FAMILY BACKGROUND Dior was the second of five children born to Maurice Dior and Isabelle Cardamone. His father, a successful and wealthy fertilizer manufacturer, ran the family firm known as Dior Frères. Growing up in a family with strong business acumen and financial stability, Dior was exposed to both the finer things in life and the discipline required to manage a family enterprise.

CHILDHOOD The Dior family lived in a clifftop villa called Les Rhumbs in Granville1. This setting, particularly his mother's well-kept garden, would later inspire Christian's fashion designs and instill in him a love of flowers. When Christian was about five years old, in 1910, the family moved to Paris.

EDUCATION Despite Dior's passion for art and his interest in becoming an architect, his parents had different plans for him. They wanted him to pursue a diplomatic career. To appease his parents' wishes, Dior enrolled at the École des Sciences Politiques (now known as Sciences Po) in 1925 to study political science.

However, Dior's heart wasn't in his diplomatic studies. He later described his time at Sciences Po as requiring "no real commitment" and called it a "hypocritical way of being able to continue the life which pleased [him] most". During this period, Dior frequented Parisian cabarets like "Le Boeuf sur le toit" with artistic friends such as Max Jacob, Jean Cocteau, and Raymond Radiguet.

Even while studying political science, Dior's passion for art persisted. He began selling fashion sketches outside his house for about 10 cents each. In 1928, after leaving school, Dior received money from his father to finance a small art gallery.

CAREER RECORD Opened a small art gallery in Paris in his early 20s, which he was forced to close during the Great Depression.

Worked as a fashion illustrator for various publications.

Began working as a design assistant for Robert Piguet and Lucien Lelong.

Founded his own fashion house in 1946 with the backing of Marcel Boussac, a textile magnate.

Launched the "New Look" collection in 1947, which catapulted him to international fame.

APPEARANCE Christian Dior was plump and of average height, standing at 5'9" (1.75 m) with a receding hairline. 

Christian Dior

FASHION Christian Dior was known for his refined and polished appearance, which mirrored the elegance of his designs. With a distinguished presence, he often presented himself in impeccably tailored suits that accentuated his graceful, confident demeanor. His style was both modern and classic, serving as a personal extension of his creative vision.

In the world of fashion, Dior was a pioneer who combined artistry with commercial acumen. His designs were characterized by their luxurious fabrics, innovative silhouettes, and attention to detail. The “New Look” collection is particularly celebrated for its transformative impact, redefining what women could aspire to wear in the post-war period. Dior’s influence persists today, with his fashion house continuing to set trends and push creative boundaries.

CHARACTER  Christian Dior possessed a keen sense of creativity, a passion for elegance, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Colleagues and contemporaries often described him as both charming and meticulous—a man who balanced his visionary ideas with practical business insights. His ability to see beauty in the details and his willingness to take bold risks contributed significantly to his enduring legacy.

He was chronically shy, often shaking so much that he was unable to take a bow at the end of his couture shows. Despite this Dior had a flamboyant personality that he consciously developed. 

Dior was described by Cecil Beaton as being "like a country doctor... modest as a sugar violet. (1)

SPEAKING VOICE  Dior was softly spoken.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Christian Dior had a light-hearted and playful approach to life. His creative spirit extended beyond fashion into a joyful appreciation of life’s little ironies. For instance, he often named his designs with whimsical titles—a playful nod to his personal life and inspirations. The “Bobby” dress, named after his beloved dog, is one such example that reveals how his sense of humor intermingled with his artistic genius.

RELATIONSHIPS Christian Dior never married. There were rumors and speculation about his sexuality throughout his life and after his death..

In his autobiography, published shortly before his death, Dior did not discuss his private life or sexuality. The closest he came to addressing personal relationships was mentioning his "intimate friendship" with Pierre Colle, a shop manager in Paris. This omission of any discussion about his private life in his autobiography may be seen as indirect evidence of his presumed homosexuality, given the difficulty for public figures to come out in the first half of the 20th century

Family and friendships played a central role in Dior’s life. His early years were steeped in artistic endeavors, supported by his father, with whom he started the small gallery, Dior Frères, in 1928. T

Perhaps the most profound influence came from his youngest sister, Catherine Dior. A heroine of the French Resistance, Catherine’s bravery in the face of Nazi oppression—despite her subsequent arrest, torture, and internment in concentration camps—inspired him deeply. Her strength led him to name his first perfume “Miss Dior” in her honor, cementing her legacy within his work.

MONEY AND FAME Christian Dior’s journey from a modest beginning to international stardom is a testament to his visionary talent and determination. Initially earning money by selling his fashion sketches outside his house for about 10 cents each, he honed his creative skills while remaining financially humble. 

His big break came when he founded his own fashion house in 1946, with the backing of cotton-fabric magnate Marcel Boussac. Just a year later, his debut collection revolutionized the fashion world. Harper’s Bazaar famously coined the term “The New Look,” celebrating his long-skirted silhouettes and a return to opulent materials after wartime rationing. This groundbreaking collection not only brought Dior worldwide fame but also reestablished Paris as the fashion capital of the world.

FOOD AND DRINK Christian Dior had a particular fondness for simple yet elegant dishes like omelettes, banana sorbet, and pear ice cream.  His reported favorite meal, however, was a more luxurious affair: oysters and foie gras.  He also enjoyed refined dishes such as langoustine ravioli, chestnut velouté, truffle parfait, and lobster thermidor.

Dior's passion for food extended beyond simply enjoying it; he also had a keen interest in cooking.  In 1972, a cookbook titled La Cuisine Cousu-Main (Tailor-Made Cuisine) was published, showcasing many of his favorite recipes. This collection included dishes like Cream of Chervil Soup, Eggs Chimay, Dauphine Potatoes, and Pompadour, a decadent chocolate dessert.  Dior famously believed that "the ingredients we use when cooking are just as noble as the materials used in couture," highlighting the importance he placed on culinary artistry.

Dior frequented upscale Parisian restaurants and cafés, including the legendary Le Boeuf Sur Le Toit, the charming Café Sénéquier in Saint-Tropez, and the historic Maxim's, a Parisian art nouveau restaurant that had opened its doors in 1893.  Sadly, Dior's love for rich foods may have contributed to his health problems.  He was described as "plump," and his eating habits were cited as a potential factor in his untimely death. The official coroner's statement attributed his fatal heart attack to "unhealthy eating habits."

MUSIC AND ARTS Dior’s passion for the arts was evident from a young age, when he sold his own fashion sketches outside his home to support his ambitions. His work at Dior Frères, a small gallery established with his father, exposed him to masterpieces by artists like Pablo Picasso, further fueling his creative spirit. 

Music, with its rhythm and harmony, also played a subtle role in his creative process, influencing the graceful, flowing lines of his designs. The interplay between music, painting, and fashion defined much of his career, making him a true connoisseur of the arts.

THE DIOR FASHION HOUSE The House of Dior, a name synonymous with high fashion, was established by Christian Dior on December 16, 1946, in Paris.  Dior, with the financial support of textile magnate Marcel Boussac, set up his fashion house at 30 Avenue Montaigne, beginning with three ateliers and a staff of 85.  

On February 12, 1947, Dior unveiled his groundbreaking first collection, a pivotal moment in post-war fashion.  Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief, Carmel Snow, famously exclaimed, "My dear Christian, your dresses have such a New Look!"  This "New Look," with its rounded shoulders, cinched waists, and voluminous skirts, celebrated a return to ultra-femininity and opulence in women's attire.

The House of Dior rapidly achieved international acclaim.  By 1948, Dior was responsible for 75% of all Parisian haute couture sales.  The brand expanded globally, establishing boutiques in New York, London, and other major fashion hubs.  Dior also diversified its product lines, venturing beyond haute couture to include ready-to-wear collections, accessories, fragrances (starting with Miss Dior in 1947), shoes, and makeup.

Following Christian Dior's premature death in 1957, the House of Dior has been guided by a succession of celebrated designers: Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and currently, Maria Grazia Chiuri, who has served as the women's wear creative director since 2016.

LITERATURE Though not widely known as an avid writer, Dior’s work was heavily influenced by literature and storytelling. His designs often evoked narratives that resonated with themes found in classic novels and poetry. 

Christian Dior's autobiography Dior by Dior was originally published in 1957. The book was first released in English that same year, with a translation by Antonia Fraser. Despite being an autobiography, the book is noted for Dior's modest tone and his reluctance to delve too deeply into his personal life, focusing more on his professional experiences and the world of haute couture

NATURE Dior's designs were heavily influenced by botanical elements: He famously said, "I draw women-flowers, soft shoulders, fine waists like liana and wide skirts like corolla."

His iconic "New Look" silhouette was inspired by the shape of flowers, with cinched waists and full skirts resembling petals. Many of his gowns incorporated floral motifs, embroideries, and silhouettes inspired by botanical forms.

Dior created gardens at his various residences, including Le Moulin du Coudret and Montauroux. These personal gardens served as ongoing sources of inspiration for his fashion and fragrance creations.

PETS Dior's most famous pet was his dog named Bobby. This loyal companion inspired many of Dior's designs. The designer named a suit in each of his collections after Bobby, considering it a lucky charm for success

In 1952, Parfums Christian Dior launched a limited-edition Miss Dior perfume bottle shaped like Bobby.

Bobby's influence continues in the Dior brand today. In 2020, Maria Grazia Chiuri designed the "Bobby Bag" inspired by Dior's beloved pet.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Dior's primary hobby was art. As a young man, he opened a small art gallery where he exhibited works by artists including Pablo Picasso.

He cultivated friendships with influential artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí, Jean Cocteau, and Alberto Giacometti.

Dior developed a passion for gardening during his childhood at the family's seaside villa in Granville, Normandy.

SCIENCE AND MATHS Dior’s work in fashion design was underpinned by a rigorous understanding of structure and proportion. His meticulous attention to detail and the precise tailoring of his garments reflect an innate grasp of geometry and spatial relationships. 

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Christian Dior’s creative philosophy was deeply rooted in an unwavering pursuit of beauty, elegance, and refinement. He believed that fashion was not merely about clothing but an art form that could elevate the human spirit. 

Although not overtly religious in his public statements, Dior’s work reflected a reverence for the classical ideals of harmony and balance—a sentiment that resonated with the spiritual and aesthetic values of his time.

POLITICS Dior’s career unfolded against a backdrop of political turbulence. His early professional life intersected with some of the most challenging periods in European history. During the German occupation of France in World War II, he was employed by the respected fashion house Lucien Lelong. This period forced him into politically complex situations, as he was tasked with designing dresses for the wives of Nazi officers and French collaborators. 

SCANDAL  Under the constraints of the German occupation, his role at Lucien Lelong—where he designed garments for those aligned with the occupying forces—has sparked debate and scrutiny. Critics have questioned the moral compromises inherent in working under such regimes, while supporters argue that his artistic talent allowed him to maintain a semblance of integrity amid chaos. This period remains a scandalous yet inextricable part of his legacy, illustrating the often-blurry line between art and politics during times of war.

Dior's success and the "New Look" did generate some controversy at the time, with some seeing it as extravagant and wasteful in the post-war climate.

MILITARY RECORD His contributions during World War II were channeled through his work in fashion rather than military service. 

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Dior was known to be a hard worker, and the pressures of running his fashion house may have taken a toll on his health.

HOMES Dior's childhood home, Villa Les Rhumbs, a Belle Époque villa in Granville, Normandy, purchased by his parents in 1905, perched on a cliff overlooking the sea.  This villa, with its rose garden cultivated by his mother, Madeleine, held a special place in Dior's heart.  Despite being sold in 1932 due to financial hardship, it was later transformed into the Christian Dior Museum, opening in 1997, a testament to its enduring importance.

The Christian Dior Home and Museum in Granville Photo personnelle de Marianna

In Paris, Dior resided in a townhouse on Boulevard Jules-Sandeau, while his professional life centered around the House of Dior at 30 Avenue Montaigne.  Seeking a retreat from the city, he purchased Le Moulin du Coudret in Milly-la-Forêt, a property that evoked memories of Villa Les Rhumbs with its secluded and nature-filled setting.

Dior's final and perhaps most beloved home was Château de La Colle Noire in Montauroux, Provence.  Acquired in 1951, this 19th-century estate, overlooking the plains of Montauroux, became his sanctuary for the last six years of his life.  Surrounded by a park featuring a chapel dedicated to St. Anne, the château also boasted vast fields of May roses, vineyards, and olive trees.  This property, a significant source of inspiration, was restored in 2013 and is now owned by Parfums Christian Dior.

Dior's homes, particularly Villa Les Rhumbs and Château de La Colle Noire, served as powerful muses.  The gardens, architecture, and surrounding landscapes of these residences profoundly influenced his designs and fragrances throughout his illustrious career.

TRAVEL Throughout his career, Dior traveled extensively to gather inspiration, from the historic streets of Paris to exotic locales around the world. These journeys enriched his designs, infusing his collections with a blend of international influences and a cosmopolitan flair. 

DEATH Christian Dior died suddenly on October 24, 1957, while on vacation in Montecatini, Italy. He was 52 years old at the time of his death. The most widely reported cause was that Dior suffered a fatal heart attack. Some accounts state this occurred while he was playing a game of cards in the evening. There were also rumors that he had choked on a fish bone, which may have led to the heart attack.

Dior's death was sudden and unexpected, shocking the fashion world. Marcel Boussac, Dior's financial backer, sent his private plane to Italy to bring Dior's body back to Paris.

Dior's funeral was held at the Church of Saint-Honoré d'Eylau in Paris. It was a major event, attended by an estimated 2,500 people, including Dior's entire staff and many of his famous clients. Thousands more gathered outside the church to pay their respects.

After the funeral, Dior was buried in the Cimetière de Callian, located in the village of Callian in the Var department of Provence, France. His grave can still be visited there today.

APPEARANCES IN MEDIA  Christian Dior's influence has extended far beyond the world of fashion, making notable appearances in media, pop culture, and artistic tributes. 

1. FILM & DOCUMENTARIES

Dior and I (2014): This documentary provides an intimate look at the modern Dior fashion house, focusing on Raf Simons' appointment as creative director and his first haute couture collection. While Dior himself is not the main focus, his legacy looms large throughout the film.

Dior: The Man Behind the Myth (2005): A documentary that explores Dior's life, his rise in the fashion world, and his revolutionary impact on post-war couture.

Yves Saint Laurent (2014): The biopic about Yves Saint Laurent features Christian Dior as an important figure, as he mentored Saint Laurent and appointed him as a designer for the house.

2. MUSIC REFERENCES

"Christian Dior Denim Flow" – Kanye West (2010): A tribute to high fashion and luxury, this song, released during New York Fashion Week 2010, references Dior’s name as a symbol of opulence and timeless style.

"Dior" – Pop Smoke (2019): Although this track focuses more on Dior’s brand than the man himself, it highlights how Christian Dior's name continues to be associated with luxury and status in modern rap culture.

3. TELEVISION

Emily in Paris (2020–present): The show features numerous references to Dior as an emblem of French fashion, reinforcing the house's association with Parisian elegance.

Sex and the City (1998–2004): Dior is frequently mentioned and worn by the show's lead characters, further cementing the brand’s cultural significance.

4. LITERATURE

 Dior’s work and influence have been extensively covered in books like The Little Dictionary of Fashion (1954) and Dior: The New Look Revolution (2015).

5. ART & EXHIBITIONS

Dior’s creations have been displayed in exhibitions worldwide, including the Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams exhibit at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. His designs continue to be celebrated as works of art, blending fashion with cultural history.

6. ADVERTISING & BRANDING

Dior’s name is synonymous with luxury and elegance, frequently appearing in high-end advertisements featuring celebrities like Charlize Theron, Natalie Portman, and Jennifer Lawrence.

ACHIEVEMENTS Revolutionized women's fashion with the "New Look."

Established a globally successful fashion house that continues to thrive today.

Left a lasting legacy as one of the most influential figures in fashion history.

Source (1) 10 Magazine