Christian Dior is a name that resonates designer fashion prowess and authority. Born in 1905, Normandy, France, Dior’s parents wanted their youngest son to become a diplomat – thankfully, his wanted to become a fashion icon.
Quickly becoming known as the ‘Master of the silhouette’, Christian Dior opened his own couture house in 1947. He was famed for his excessive use of material for full-bodied skirts, bustier tops and corsetry. Despite his adoration, Christian Dior faced some backlash to his designs with criticisms that he wasn’t concerned enough with the wartime shortages on fabric.
Christian Dior’s extravagant take on femininity and form, won him respect and reverence within his field, resulting in the idiom ‘new look’ being coined in honour of his designs.
John Galliano took over the reigns at Christian Dior in 1996. Quoted as saying his aim ‘was to seduce’, Galliano has done just that. With his autumn 2007 collection, an array of basques, bows and brilliance, exuding archaic charm and French frivolity, one things for certain, Christian Dior would be very proud.