Dior
History
Christian Dior
In February 1947 a new couturier named Christian Dior presented his first fashion collection to the press he was to revolutionise the cut, shape, length and designs within the coming years.
image BOF
The shape
The skirts made up of 20 yards of fabric with shantung ( Bar) jackets tightly nipped at the waist….this in a postwar world still using rationing was deemed extravagant & exciting.
image MMoA
New look
The term “New Look” is believed to have been coined by the Harper’s Bazaar editor Carmel Snow who exclaimed in 1947
“It’s quite a revolution, dear Christian your dresses have such a new look”
Miss Dior named after his sister Catherine
Ysl
In 1955, the 19-year-old Yves Saint Laurent became Dior's design assistant he was allowed to submit sketches for the couture collections.
After Dior's death in 1957 Saint Laurent became head designer he created softer versions of the New Look and the famous Trapeze dress.
Designer of Dreams
V&A
It was no surprise to me or anyone else who saw it that this exhibition smashed all previous records for attendance A total of 595,000 visits in the 7 months run.
image V&A
The breathtaking displays, archives of treasures original art work & sketches through to present day. I visited 7 times so much to take in.
John Galliano
Dior
In October 1996 John Galliano replaced Gianfranco Ferre at Dior. The Haute Couture and ready to wear collections are legendary. In 2010, Galliano identified his love of theatre and femininity as central to his creations.
images WWD & V&A
John Galliano
Named British Designer of the year four times as a former St Martins graduate. The first collection he designed inspired by the French Revolution was brought in its entirety by Browns fashion boutique in London.
image Vogue
On the red carpet
Nicole Kidman in 1997 at the Oscars and Cate Blanchett in 1999 both detail the embroidery and attention to detail of John Galliano’s work at Dior.
Images Popsugar
John Galliano iconic bag
In Summer 2000 Galliano debuted the Saddle bag it quickly became the new IT bag ..seen here with Carrie Bradshaw on TVs Sex & the City.
The saddle bag
The saddle bag has since been reinvented many times over in different colours and straps.
The Wedding dress
In July 2011 Kate Moss choose John Galliano to design her wedding dress
Image Vogue
Maria Grazia Chiuri
In 2016 Dior appointed Italian designer Maria Grazia Chiuri to become its Creative Director.
Her debut collection was in September 2016 at Paris Fashion Week under her direction the Saddlebag was returned…along with slogan shirts quoting feminists such as Chimamanda Nzozi Adichie..in 2019 she was awarded France’s highest honour the Legion d’honneur.
Maria Grazia Chiuri
Dior and I…
I have been a fan of Christian Dior since being a Schoolgirl. I was fascinated by the ‘New Look”, the shapes and cuts of 1950’s fashion, it has driven my passion for vintage clothing.. the wider the skirt..(my collection of net petticoats justify this).. the better.. when The V&A in 2019 exhibited i was blown away by the beauty of the couture, especially John Galliano.
The Lady Dior
Lady Dior
Launched in 1994 with no official name then in September 1995 Diana Princess of Wales was pictured carrying the bag a gift from Bernadette Chirac the then First Lady of France.
Diana bag
In 1996 as a homage to the Princess, it was renamed “Lady Dior”.
Dior Book Bag
Book tote
An original design by Maria Grazia Chiuri casual elegance practical if like me you carry everything in your bag
Spring 2018 debut
The tote was inspired by a drawing produced by Marc Bohan in 1967 which was located in the House’s archives
Shopping in style
Flower power
Enjoying the sun
Adding a hat and a baby book tote
Favourite boots …
Saddlebag
The Saddlebag was from designer John Galliano in 1999 and debuted in S/S 2000.