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Christian Dior
In January of the year 1905, Christian Dior was born in a coastal town of Normandy, France. The second oldest of five siblings, Dior’s family included a father who was a wealthy fertilizer manufacturer. After moving his family to Paris when Christian was five, his father would take the family back to vacation in Normandy during the summers. The Dior Museum was erected years later to pay homage to the birthplace of this now-celebrated fashion designer.
Though Dior’s father tried to pressure him to pursue a political career, Dior was more interested in art. He pursued this fascination by selling his fashion sketches for 10 francs each out of the family home. But pressure from his father eventually caused him to enroll in the École des Sciences Politiques, where he studied political science. However, following his graduation in 1928, Dior opened a small art gallery with the help of his father, who gave Dior the money with the stipulation that the family name would be displayed above the gallery door. It was at this gallery where he and his colleague sold pieces by notable artists that included Pablo Picasso. But due to such tragic circumstances that included the Great Depression and the death of his parents and brother, Dior was forced to close the gallery in 1931.
Dior was hired as fashion designer Robert Piguet’s assistant in 1937. Of Piguet, Dior would later say that he taught Dior “the virtues of simplicity through which true elegance must come.” Among the designs, Dior made for Piguet was the Café Anglais, a short, full skirt that became an instant hit upon its release. However, by this time World War II had begun, and Dior left Piguet to enlist in the French army.
Once the war was over, Dior returned to Paris and opened his own fashion house in 1946 with the help of textile manufacturer Marcel Boussac. Dior presented his first collection in 1947, naming it “Corolle” after a botanical term for a circle of flower petals. But Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow referred to it simply as Dior’s “New Look,” a name that stuck, and so the collection would ever after be referred to as the New Look collection. This collection contrasted the War-rationed designs of the times with a more womanly shape, resulting in a line of clothing that perfectly encompassed the design needs of the post-war woman: functional yet fashionable. The New Look collection was an uncontested success, and its creations continued to influence fashion designers for years to come. The collection also helped reestablish Paris as the world’s fashion center in the years following the War.
The Christian Dior name continues to hold a prominent place in fashion. Despite being best known for designing women’s ready-to-wear couture, the ever-present popularity of Dior handbags has gained new heights in the most recent years. Popular Christian Dior handbags include the Diorama, Saddle Bag and the classic Lady Dior (renamed for Princess Diana as she was known to carry the bag). Explore FASHIONPHILE’s collection of authentic, preowned Christian Dior handbags, totes, and wallets.
1,280 items
Christian Dior Technical Canvas Oblique Mens B23 High Top Sneakers 44 Blue Red
Condition: Giftable
$850
Christian Dior Canvas Toile De Jouy Embroidered Mini Lady D-Lite Gray Pink
Condition: Excellent
$2,995
Christian Dior Stainless Steel Patent Diamond Bezel 19mm La D De Dior Quartz Watch Black
Condition: Shows Wear
$850
Christian Dior Technical Stretch Fabric Camouflage Dio(r)evolution Slide Sandals 39 Deep Blue
Condition: Excellent
$650
Christian Dior Lambskin Lucky Badges My Lady Dior Adjustable Shoulder Strap Latte
Condition: Excellent
$395
Christian Dior Metallic Grained Calfskin Cannage Small Lucky Badges My Lady Dior Silver
Condition: Shows Wear
$2,595
Christian Dior Resin Pearl Dior Tribales Earrings Gold White Transparent Rani Pink
Condition: Giftable
$375
Christian Dior Crystal Mise en Dior Tribales Asymmetric Birdcage Earrings Black
Condition: Excellent
$350
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Ciel De Reve Medium Lady D-Lite Latte Multicolor
Condition: Shows Wear
$3,495
Christian Dior X KENNY SCHARF Oblique Canvas Embroidered Patches Crossbody Charcoal
Condition: Excellent
$1,195
Christian Dior Lambskin Maxi Cannage Small 30 Montaigne Chain Top Handle Bag Black
Condition: Shows Wear
$1,825
Christian Dior Lambskin Cannage Dioramour Small Lady Dior Voyageur Coin Purse Wallet Pink
Condition: Excellent
$550
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Micro Houndstooth Dway 40mm Slide Sandals 36 Black White
Condition: Giftable
$825
Christian Dior Calfskin Cannage Quilted Dio(r)evolution 80mm Slide Sandals 39 Off White
Condition: Excellent
$625
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Floral Medium Lady D-Lite Beige Black Multicolor
Condition: Excellent
$3,595
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Medium Hibiscus Book Tote Beige Multicolor
Condition: Shows Wear
$2,650