Christian Dior

French, 1905-1957

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.

Christian Dior fashion for sale on 1stDibs.

Find an extraordinary range of authentic Christian Dior fashion available on 1stDibs. If you’re browsing our collection of unique vintage and designer fashion to elevate your daily look or to introduce new colors to the dazzling formal wear in your wardrobe, this designer’s body of work includes elements of red, pink, blue and other tones. Customers who are interested in this designer might also find the work of Yves Saint Laurent, Thierry Mugler, and Jeanne Lanvin appealing. On 1stDibs, find haute couture, vintage and designer Christian Dior fashion from top boutiques around the world. Christian Dior fashion prices can differ depending upon time period and other attributes. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $50 and tops out at $245,500, while the average work can sell for $1,121.

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Questions About Christian Dior

How do I authenticate Dior shoes?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
You 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.
How do I clean a Dior canvas bag?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To 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.
How do I authenticate a Dior scarf?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Dior 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Dior 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.
Does Dior have Black Friday sales?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Dior 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.
Does the Dior saddle bag come with a strap?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, 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.
Do all Dior bags have serial numbers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
No, 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.
Is Christian Dior jewelry real gold?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Whether 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
Yes, 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.
How can I style Dior B23 sneakers?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
To 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
How 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.
How do I wear Dior tribal earrings?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
On 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
You 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.
Where can I buy Dior shoes online?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
A 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 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Christian 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.
Where can I do a Dior serial number check?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022
You 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.