Christian Dior 1970s Lucite And Rope Bar
Recent Sales
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Barware
Metal, Chrome
Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Barware
Brass, Metal
Christian Dior for sale on 1stDibs
When Christian Dior launched his 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.
Dior was born in Granville, on the Normandy coast, in 1905. His prosperous haute bourgeois parents wanted him to become a diplomat despite his interest in art and architecture. However, they agreed to bankroll an art gallery, which Dior opened in 1928 in Paris with a friend.
This was the start of Dior’s rise in the city’s creative milieu, where he befriended Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. After seven years as an art dealer, Dior retrained as a fashion illustrator, eventually landing a job as a fashion designer for Robert Piguet, and in 1941, following a year of military service, he joined the house of Lucien Lelong. Just five years later, with the backing of industrialist Marcel Boussac, the ascendant Dior established his own fashion house, at 30 avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Just two years after the end of World War II, the fashion crowd and the moribund haute couture industry were yearning, comme tout Paris, for security and prosperity, desperate to discard the drab, sexless, utilitarian garb imposed by wartime deprivation. They needed to dream anew.
And Dior delivered: He designed a collection for a bright, optimistic future. “It’s quite a revolution, dear Christian!” exclaimed Carmel Snow, the prescient American editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, famously proclaiming, “Your dresses have such a new look.” The press ran with the description, christening Dior’s debut Spring/Summer haute couture collection the New Look. “God help those who bought before they saw Dior,” said Snow. “This changes everything.”
Dior’s collection definitively declared that opulence, luxury and femininity were in. His 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. With the luxuriously full skirts of his New Look, suits and his drop-dead gorgeous couture dresses and ball gowns worthy of any princess, Dior gave women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of war.
On 1stDibs, find an exquisite range of vintage Christian Dior clothing, jewelry, handbags and other items.
A Close Look at mid-century-modern Furniture
Organically shaped, clean-lined and elegantly simple are three terms that well describe vintage mid-century modern furniture. The style, which emerged primarily in the years following World War II, is characterized by pieces that were conceived and made in an energetic, optimistic spirit by creators who believed that good design was an essential part of good living.
ORIGINS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged during the mid-20th century
- Informed by European modernism, Bauhaus, International style, Scandinavian modernism and Frank Lloyd Wright’s architecture
- A heyday of innovation in postwar America
- Experimentation with new ideas, new materials and new forms flourished in Scandinavia, Italy, the former Czechoslovakia and elsewhere in Europe
CHARACTERISTICS OF MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Simplicity, organic forms, clean lines
- A blend of neutral and bold Pop art colors
- Use of natural and man-made materials — alluring woods such as teak, rosewood and oak; steel, fiberglass and molded plywood
- Light-filled spaces with colorful upholstery
- Glass walls and an emphasis on the outdoors
- Promotion of functionality
MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Charles and Ray Eames
- Eero Saarinen
- Milo Baughman
- Florence Knoll
- Harry Bertoia
- Isamu Noguchi
- George Nelson
- Danish modernists Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen, whose emphasis on natural materials and craftsmanship influenced American designers and vice versa
ICONIC MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
- Eames lounge chair
- Nelson daybed
- Florence Knoll sofa
- Egg chair
- Womb chair
- Noguchi coffee table
- Barcelona chair
VINTAGE MID-CENTURY MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The mid-century modern era saw leagues of postwar American architects and designers animated by new ideas and new technology. The lean, functionalist International-style architecture of Le Corbusier and Bauhaus eminences Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and Walter Gropius had been promoted in the United States during the 1930s by Philip Johnson and others. New building techniques, such as “post-and-beam” construction, allowed the International-style schemes to be realized on a small scale in open-plan houses with long walls of glass.
Materials developed for wartime use became available for domestic goods and were incorporated into mid-century modern furniture designs. Charles and Ray Eames and Eero Saarinen, who had experimented extensively with molded plywood, eagerly embraced fiberglass for pieces such as the La Chaise and the Womb chair, respectively.
Architect, writer and designer George Nelson created with his team shades for the Bubble lamp using a new translucent polymer skin and, as design director at Herman Miller, recruited the Eameses, Alexander Girard and others for projects at the legendary Michigan furniture manufacturer.
Harry Bertoia and Isamu Noguchi devised chairs and tables built of wire mesh and wire struts. Materials were repurposed too: The Danish-born designer Jens Risom created a line of chairs using surplus parachute straps for webbed seats and backrests.
The Risom lounge chair was among the first pieces of furniture commissioned and produced by legendary manufacturer Knoll, a chief influencer in the rise of modern design in the United States, thanks to the work of Florence Knoll, the pioneering architect and designer who made the firm a leader in its field. The seating that Knoll created for office spaces — as well as pieces designed by Florence initially for commercial clients — soon became desirable for the home.
As the demand for casual, uncluttered furnishings grew, more mid-century furniture designers caught the spirit.
Classically oriented creators such as Edward Wormley, house designer for Dunbar Inc., offered such pieces as the sinuous Listen to Me chaise; the British expatriate T.H. Robsjohn-Gibbings switched gears, creating items such as the tiered, biomorphic Mesa table. There were Young Turks such as Paul McCobb, who designed holistic groups of sleek, blond wood furniture, and Milo Baughman, who espoused a West Coast aesthetic in minimalist teak dining tables and lushly upholstered chairs and sofas with angular steel frames.
As the collection of vintage mid-century modern chairs, dressers, coffee tables and other furniture for the living room, dining room, bedroom and elsewhere on 1stDibs demonstrates, this period saw one of the most delightful and dramatic flowerings of creativity in design history.
Materials: lucite Furniture
Antique, new and vintage Lucite furniture has been on design editors’ radars for several seasons now, but thanks to a renewed interest in Lucite coffee tables, chairs and other pieces from the late 1960s and ’70s, the trend has reached fever pitch.
“I think there’s a freshness and cleanness to it,” says Fawn Galli, an interior designer based in New York. Not only is Lucite, or transparent plastic, practical, since it can work in nearly any environment, it’s incredibly stylish.
Some of the most acclaimed furniture designers share the same love for Lucite as an effective and practical material for use in any interior.
“I think there’s something really nice about the simplicity of anything Lucite or acrylic — it feels lightweight,” says Tamara Eaton, whose eponymous firm deftly balances traditional and modern designs. Even in the most historical setting, “you can still introduce some Lucite or something kind of lightweight and not have it feel like a distinct interjection, but a playful one that’s more about the shape,” she says.
For the living room in a mid-century modern townhouse in Park Slope, Brooklyn, Eaton chose a pair of box-shaped Lucite tables with copper handles from Jamie Dietrich. “We didn’t want anything to be too heavy, and that area was a place where [the family] would sometimes move those tables so the kids could play,” she says. The tables doubled as snack trays since the kitchen is nearby. “They have this transportable feel to them that I think was really fun.”
Browse a range of antique, new and vintage Lucite side tables, table lamps and other furniture now on 1stDibs.
Finding the Right barware for You
Whether it’s streamlined or sophisticated, a bar area is always a welcoming feature in any home interior. A cheery well-made drink with friends and family has the potential to yield some unforgettable moments alongside those that aren’t easily remembered. And the only way to conjure that exemplary cordial is by putting the proper antique, new or vintage barware to work.
Essential barware equipment ranges from sterling-silver barspoons for mixing your cocktails in tall collins glasses to jiggers, shakers and strainers that allow you to whip up martinis and old-fashioneds.
From a design standpoint, some barware, such as our array of Art Deco glass whiskey sets or mid-century modern silver-banded tumblers crafted by Dorothy Thorpe, can help position your bar as a bold and attractive centerpiece to a room. At the very least, a carefully curated collection of barware can elevate with subtlety the bar’s nearby fixtures, as a handcrafted crystal decanter might do for your vintage 1960s bar cart.
As cocktail hour draws near, find inspiration in our gorgeous gallery of home bars in locales ranging from London to New York to San Francisco, and browse the exquisite selection of antique, new and vintage barware and glassware on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can examine many elements to authenticate Dior shoes. Dior shoes have deep, well-defined treads, while imitations may have very shallow patterns. Insoles on Dior shoes read "made in Italy" and show the brand name in the correct font. The words "made in Italy" should also appear above the style number and the Italian shoe size. Shop a large selection of expertly vetted Dior shoes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To clean a Dior canvas bag, moisten a soft cloth with lukewarm water. Add a few drops of mild dish soap and rub the ends of the cloth together to create lather. Gently wipe the entire bag. Then, moisten a second cloth and wipe again to remove the soap. Shop a large selection of Dior canvas bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To authenticate a Dior scarf, examine the tag. Designs vary from year to year, but generally the tag will display at least the brand name in the correct font. On an authentic Dior scarf, the tag is usually perfectly parallel to the edge of the scarf and the printing appears centered and crisp. The stitching that holds the tag should be evenly spaced. Find a collection of expertly vetted Dior scarves on 1stDibs.
- What is Dior?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Dior is a luxury French fashion house that celebrates opulence, extravagance and femininity in fashion. It was founded in 1946 by French fashion designer Christian Dior and gained fame for revolutionizing women’s fashion after World War II. Find a collection of authentic Christian Dior clothing, jewelry and other stunning items on 1stDibs.
- Does dior go on sale?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Dior boutiques often have sales at the end of the season on select items. The best way to find out is to ask your nearest location or keep an eye on the inventory. For physical store locations, consult the brand’s website. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Dior clothing and accessories on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Dior runs sales for Black Friday and other occasions throughout the year. Promotions vary and usually do not include all the items in the online store's inventory. You also may find Dior apparel, jewelry and accessories available at discounted prices year-round on online platforms. Shop a large selection of Dior on 1stDibs.
- What are Dior bags made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Dior makes bags out of a variety of materials. Some bags feature fabrics, including cotton canvas, jacquard, satin and velvet. In addition, Dior offers bags made of textured, patent and smooth cowhide leather. A small number of sheepskin bags are also among the brand's designs. You’ll find a large selection of Dior bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, the classic Dior saddle bag includes a shoulder strap. The more recent Dior and Sacai saddle bag has an adjustable strap, allowing you to wear it on your shoulder or fastened across your chest. Dior also sells longer canvas straps that you can attach to many of their bags, including the classic saddle bag. Find a collection of Dior saddle bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, Dior bags don't all have serial numbers. In fact, the brand uses date codes in place of them. The date code begins with a two-digit number that represents the manufacturing year. A two-letter code specifying which factory produced the bag comes next. At the end of the date code is a four-number sequence. The first and third numbers correspond to the month of production, and the second and fourth numbers tell you the calendar date. For example, a date code ending in 1212 means the date of production was November 22. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Dior bags.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Whether or not Christian Dior jewelry is real gold depends on the type in question. Dior often uses genuine 18-karat gold for its fine jewelry pieces. Fashion jewelry is usually not real gold. Instead, the brand applies a gold-tone finish to a base metal. Silver-tone pieces typically feature the same base metal under a layer of palladium. Find a large collection of Christian Dior jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Are Dior bags handmade?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Dior bags are handmade at the brand's ateliers. The brand's artisans complete all of the assembly and stitching by hand, making the construction of each bag a painstaking and time-consuming process. For example, a Dior Caro handbag’s signature quilted effect requires roughly 18,000 stitches. You’ll find a large selection of Dior bags on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How you style Dior B23 sneakers is largely a matter of personal preference. High-top styles tend to look best worn with socks no higher than the collar, while low-top options work well with socks of varying heights. Feel free to get creative and wear your sneakers with everything from dresses to jeans. Shop a range of Dior sneakers on 1stDibs.
- How do I pronounce Dior Homme?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022To correctly pronounce the first word in Dior Homme, say "dee-OAR." The second word sounds like the word "home" but without the letter H. Dior is the French last name of the brand's founder, Christian Dior. "Homme" is the French word for man. Find a selection of Dior Homme on 1stDibs.
- How can I style Dior shoes?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022How you style Dior shoes depends on the type of shoe and your personal preferences. Dior sneakers can put a trendy finishing touch on everything from dresses to shorts, while Dior boots can elevate cold-weather ensembles like wool skirts and sweater-and-jeans combos. Part of the fun of Dior fashions is defying the rules and creating your own unique looks, so feel free to think outside the box when styling. Shop a large selection of Dior shoes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022On Dior Tribal earrings, the smaller front pearl goes in front of your ear lobe, and the larger pearl rests behind your ear. Pull the smaller pearl out and then position over your ear, and put them on by inserting the smaller piece back into the hole on the larger pearl. Find an array of Dior jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- When was Dior founded?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The company Christian Dior was originally founded in 1946 at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris, France. From there, Dior strove to deliver fashion for an optimistic post-war future, leading to the great success of his company. Shop a collection of designer Christian Dior pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Where can I buy Dior sneakers?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can buy Dior sneakers directly from the brand's official website. Additionally, the shoes are available from authorized brick-and-mortar retailers and online platforms, including 1stDibs. Buying from a reputable retailer or online platform can help ensure that you receive authentic Dior footwear. Shop a range of Dior sneakers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A new pair of Dior shoes are available online directly through Dior’s website and a variety of other retailers. Vintage editions of Christian Dior shoes are available from a number of online retailers, including on 1stDibs. It’s important to purchase from a vetted seller or vendor to ensure authenticity. While Christian Dior has at times inspired knockoffs, 1stDibs partners with only top-vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee.
- What influenced Christian Dior?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Christian Dior was influenced by his years working as an art dealer and fashion illustrator before finally opening a fashion house of his own. He was initially interested in art and architecture. Prior to his work in fashion design, Dior ran an art gallery with a friend, where he showed the work of Max Ernst, Picasso, Joan Miró and others. In 1946, Dior opened his fashion house and strove to deliver bright fashions for a new era, discarding the sexless utilitarian garbs that had been forced upon people during the war. Three very talented women who worked in Dior’s studio — Madame Raymonde Zehnacker, Marguerite Carré and Mitzah Bricard — are also said to have inspired him. Shop iconic vintage and contemporary Dior clothing on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can't do a Dior serial number check because bags and other accessories by the brand have date codes rather than numbers. Instead, examine the date code to ensure it consists of a series of two numbers, two letters and four additional numbers separated by dashes. You can also check the stitching and look for logo-embossed hardware to assess authenticity. Shop a range of expertly vetted Dior apparel on 1stDibs.