Questions & Answers
Our trusted network of 1stDibs sellers answer common questions
What is Dior best known for?
1 Answer
Dior is best known for his legendary fashion house and New Look collection.
When Christian Dior launched his haute couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.
Two years after the end of World War II, the fashion crowd and the moribund haute couture industry were yearning for security and prosperity, desperate to discard the drab, sexless, utilitarian garb imposed by wartime deprivation. Dior’s New Look collection definitively declared that opulence, luxury and femininity were in.
Dior skirts could have 40-meter-circumference hems, and outfits could weigh up to 60 pounds. They were cut and shaped like architecture, on strong foundations that molded women and “freed them from nature,” Dior said. Rather than rationing, his ladies wanted reams of fabric and 19-inch waists enforced by wire corsets, and the fashion world concurred. The debut got a standing ovation.
In the subsequent decade, Paris ruled as the undisputed fashion capital of the world, and Christian Dior reigned as its king. Find vintage Dior dresses, skirts and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
When Christian Dior launched his haute couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.
Two years after the end of World War II, the fashion crowd and the moribund haute couture industry were yearning for security and prosperity, desperate to discard the drab, sexless, utilitarian garb imposed by wartime deprivation. Dior’s New Look collection definitively declared that opulence, luxury and femininity were in.
Dior skirts could have 40-meter-circumference hems, and outfits could weigh up to 60 pounds. They were cut and shaped like architecture, on strong foundations that molded women and “freed them from nature,” Dior said. Rather than rationing, his ladies wanted reams of fabric and 19-inch waists enforced by wire corsets, and the fashion world concurred. The debut got a standing ovation.
In the subsequent decade, Paris ruled as the undisputed fashion capital of the world, and Christian Dior reigned as its king. Find vintage Dior dresses, skirts and other clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
1stDibs ExpertMarch 20, 2024
Related Questions
- What is Fendi best known for?1 Answer
- What is Dale Chihuly best known for?1 Answer
- What is Mark Rothko best known for?1 Answer
- What is Alexander Calder best known for?1 Answer
- What is Gloria Vanderbilt best known for?1 Answer
Shop for Christian Dior Fashion on 1stDibs
Gold lamé bustier evening dress with bow John Galliano for Christian Dior
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Saint-Ouen-Sur-Seine, FR
Gold lamé bustier evening dress with bow. Main fabric composition: 54% metal, 46% silk. Silk lining. Boned Tulle cotton bustier with zip in the middle back. Button covered with lamé ...
Category
Early 2000s French Evening Dresses
Vintage Christian Dior Haute Couture Dress Numbered in Navy Blue Silk Chiffon XS
By Christian Dior
Located in Portland, OR
This is an exquisite vintage 2 piece 100% silk chiffon navy blue haute couture evening dress from Christian Dior Paris. This incredible ensemble includes a tunic style blouse and a b...
Category
20th Century French Evening Dresses
Christian Dior By John Galliano Crochet-Knit Slip Dress, Spring-Summer 1998
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Geneva, CH
Dating back to John Galliano's for Christian Dior epic Spring-Summer 1998 collection, this maxi style has been crochet-knitted, showing some skin in all of the right places. The dres...
Category
1990s French Evening Dresses
Christian Dior Burgundy Oblique Monogram Canvas Mini Book Tote
By Christian Dior
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Christian Dior Burgundy Oblique Monogram Canvas Mini Book Tote
Brand- Christian Dior
Model- Mini Book Tote
Product Type- Tote
Serial Number- 50*******
Age- Circa 2019
Accompanied By...
Category
2010s Italian Top Handle Bags
Christian Dior by John Galliano blue denim print wide-leg pants, ss 2002
By Christian Dior, John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
▪ Christian Dior trompe l’oeil denim print wide-leg pants
▪ Designed by John Galliano
▪ 98% Cotton, 2% Lycra
▪ IT 40 - FR 36 - UK 8 - US 4
▪ Spring-Summer...
Category
Early 2000s French Wide Leg Pants
Christian Dior Denim Saddle Bag
By John Galliano for Christian Dior, Christian Dior
Located in Bressanone, IT
Christian Dior by John Galliano Saddle bag in denim color blue and beige leather, gold hardware.
Condition:
Excellent.
...
Category