CHRISTIAN DIOR

Designer Overview: Regarded as one of the most important couturiers of the twentieth century, Christian Dior dominated the high-fashion world in the post-war era with his signature “New Look” hourglass silhouette. Featuring prominent rounded shoulders, a cinched waist and accentuated hips, Dior’s fresh, voluptuous style celebrated ultra-femininity and opulence in women’s fashion. Launching his namesake haute couture empire in 1946, Dior offered women — after years of wearing military and civilian uniforms — not merely a new look but a complete new outlook, and helped restore war-struck Paris as the capital of fashion. Together with his partner Jacques Rouet, Dior pioneered license agreements, defining a new business model in the fashion business. By 1950, with lucrative divisions in perfumes, hosiery, furs, gloves, handbags, jewellery and lingerie, Dior had become an all-round household name. Following the designer’s untimely death in 1957, the house of Dior went through phases of transition until 1984, when French businessman Bernard Arnault took over. Appointing British designer John Galliano as creative director in 1997, with Hedi Slimane to launch the menswear line in 2001, Arnault has revived Dior’s image as an ultimate leader of style, taste and luxury.

Brands Available at: IFC Mall

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