Question 1

What is Christian Dior known for designing in 1947?

Accepted Answer

Christian Dior is known for designing a dress style called the New Look in 1947. It had soft rounded shoulders, a fitted waist and a full A-line skirt. It was a dramatic departure from the simpler frocks worn by women during World War II. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Christian Dior apparel.

Question 2

Are Christian Dior and Dior the same?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Christian Dior and Dior are the same. The French couturier Christian Dior founded his eponymous house in 1946. The brand is commonly known as simply Dior.

After seven years as an art dealer in Paris, the Granville-born 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.

Dior's New Look — the silhouette introduced by the couturier with his first namesake collection in 1947 — featured gowns characterized by soft, rounded shoulders; a prominent bust; waspish waistlines; and long, voluminous skirts. Dior’s work definitively declared that opulence was in, and his return to a “pretty,” highly feminized style was a direct reaction to years of wartime austerity.

Find 1950s Dior dresses, bags and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 3

Who is Christian Dior?

Accepted Answer

Christian Dior, born in Granville, France in 1905, was one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. His “New Look,” which featured a sensuous silhouette complete with rounded shoulders, a cinched waist and a full skirt, revived extravagance in women’s fashion after the poverty of World War II. Find an opulent collection of Dior pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What was Christian Dior famous for?

Accepted Answer

Christian Dior is famous for his eponymous fashion house. Dior's style is characterized by its elegant, yet conservative pieces, a range of which can be found on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What influenced Christian Dior?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 6

Why is Christian Dior so famous?

Accepted Answer

Christian Dior is so famous because he helped to set women's fashion trends of the 1940s and 50s. His designs marked a departure from the simpler looks popular during World War II, with feminine details like longer hemlines, fuller skirts and cinched waists. On 1stDibs, find a variety of Christian Dior apparel and accessories.

Question 7

Who took over Dior when Christian Dior died?

Accepted Answer

When Christian Dior died, Yves Saint Laurent took over the French fashion house in accordance with Dior's wishes. Saint Laurent had joined Christian Dior's atelier two years earlier, at the age of 19. He remained the creative director until 1960, following his conscription into the French military and a prolonged illness. In 1962, Saint Laurent established his own eponymous fashion house in Paris. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of Christian Dior apparel, bags and accessories.

Question 8

Is Christian Dior made in Germany?

Accepted Answer

Some Christian Dior products are made in Germany. The German designers, Henkel and Grossé, were active in the 1950s and onwards. Their designs can be recognized by a “Made in Germany” stamp. Shop a collection of vintage and new Christian Dior bags, clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Does Christian Dior make jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Christian Dior makes jewelry. The French luxury fashion house offers many fine jewelry pieces, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and wedding and engagement rings. In addition, Dior has a line of more economically priced fashion jewelry. Shop a range of Christian Dior jewelry on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What fabrics did Christian Dior use?

Accepted Answer

The fabrics Christian Dior used included cotton, wool and silk. And, in the late 1940s, in an era of rationing materials and wartime austerity, the legendary couturier’s New Look collection definitively declared that opulence, luxury and femininity were in.

Dior’s debut Spring/Summer haute couture collection, christened “The New Look” by the fashion press in 1947 owing to its novelty, is characterized by soft, rounded shoulders; a prominent bust; waspish waistlines; and long, voluminous skirts. His return to a “pretty,” highly feminized style was a reaction to the miserable years of war, and this cinched-waist, ladylike ideal quickly became the predominant silhouette of the 1950s.

Dior’s 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. Buyers paid to attend his official fashion shows, and his models demurely strolled through a salon in the maison, its interiors bedecked with moldings, sconces and gilt-edged mirrors.

Dior introduced lavish hourglass ball gowns and evening dresses while his Bar Suit comprised an ivory silk-shantung jacket with soft shoulders, nipped waist and padded hips over a voluminous black wool skirt. Rather than rationing, Dior’s ladies wanted reams of fabric and 19-inch waists enforced by wire corsets, and the fashion world concurred.

Find 1950s Dior dresses and other vintage clothing on 1stDibs.

Question 11

Where is Christian Dior China made?

Accepted Answer

Christian Dior apparel and accessories are made in a number of locations. Shoes and ready-to-wear apparel come from factories in France and Italy, while workshops in Switzerland manufacture watches. Parisian ateliers produce all of the French luxury fashion house's jewelry. Sunglasses and scarves originate from Italian artisans. Shop a selection of Christian Dior apparel and accessories on 1stDibs.

Question 12

When did Christian Dior start designing?

Accepted Answer

After seven years as an art dealer, Christian Dior retrained as a fashion illustrator, eventually landing a job as a fashion designer for French fashion designer Robert Piguet. In 1941, following a year of military service, Dior joined the fashion house of Lucien Lelong. Five years later, he was able to open a fashion house of his own at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris. At 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of vintage and modern Christian Dior clothing and accessories from some of the world’s top boutiques.

Question 13

What fabric did Christian Dior use?

Accepted Answer

Christian Dior used natural fabrics in his designs. The most common ones were cotton, silk and wool. Most of the fabrics came from Europe. You'll find a variety of vintage Christian Dior apparel from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 14

How can I tell if a Christian Dior scarf is real?

Accepted Answer

An authentic Christian Dior scarf is hand-rolled and hand-stitched. The scarf is rolled in towards the logo and hand-stitched so that the material comes from the back to the front. The pattern should be symmetrical with no irregularities. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Christian Dior scarves on 1stDibs.

Question 15

Is Christian Dior jewelry real gold?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Does Christian Dior still make nightgowns?

Accepted Answer

No, Dior does not make nightgowns. A number of the French luxury brand’s vintage nightgowns can be found online from a variety of platforms, and while Dior garments are among fashion’s most collectible items, treasure hunters may be able to track down Dior slip dresses by visiting a favorite reseller’s physical storefront. Find an alluring assortment of vintage Christian Dior slip dresses and other dresses from top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Question 17

How can you tell if Christian Dior jewelry is real?

Accepted Answer

To tell if Christian Dior jewelry is real, study the hallmarks carefully. Over the years, the French luxury fashion house has used different styles of markings. If you know roughly when your piece was made, you can compare its hallmarks to images of the stamps on authentic pieces produced around the same time to get an idea of its authenticity. Also, examine hardware like O-rings and clasps carefully. On genuine pieces, the hardware should be well-made and display no visible glue or soldering marks. For help with authentication, consult a certified appraiser or other knowledgeable expert. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Christian Dior jewelry.

Question 18

Are Christian Dior scarves made in China?

Accepted Answer

No, authentic Christian Dior scarves are not made in China. Authentic Christian Dior scarves are crafted in Italy and made of premium silk, cashmere and wool. You’ll find a large range of scarf styles, including authentic Christian Dior, from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

Question 19

Do Christian Dior shirts run small?

Accepted Answer

No, Christian Dior shirts generally do not run small. Most people find that they are true to size. However, some shirts feature a more fitted modern cut. For a looser fit, you may wish to buy one size up. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Christian Dior apparel.

Question 20

How can you tell if a Christian Dior bag is vintage?

Accepted Answer

To tell if a Christian Dior bag is vintage, check for a date code inside. Normally, it appears on a stitched leather tag in the lining. If the date is more than 20 years old, the bag is vintage. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Dior handbags.

Christian Dior 1947

1980s American Realist Figurative Prints

René GruauHommage a Christian Dior original French vintage fashion poster, 1987

1980s American Realist Figurative Prints

René GruauHommage a Christian Dior original French vintage fashion poster, 1987

2010s French Globes

Dior Snow Globe New Look 1947

Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags

UNWORN Christian Dior by John Galliano 2001 Chris 1947 Cadillac Denim Saddle Bag

2010s Black and White Photography

Patrick DemarchelierChristian Dior Haute Couture, Spring 1947, 2011

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Vintage Balmain Pearl & Crystal Swirl Brooch 1980s

21st Century and Contemporary Jackets

Blue and white Christian Dior Bar Jacket

1950s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

René Gruau" Elégante aux perles " .Carlton . Cannes, 1950

1950s Art Deco Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

René Gruau" Elégante à la rose et l'éventail " . Carlton Cannes ., 1950

1960s Prints and Multiples

René GruauRelax... Chargeurs original vintage poster by René Gruau, 1961

Vintage 1970s Italian Vases

Pierre Cardin Vase for Venini - Murano glass - Italian design 1970s

1990s French Skirt Suits

Couture 1990s France MartinGrant Paris Wool Hourglass DrapedWaist SlitSkirt Suit

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Link Necklaces

PIERRE CARDIN 1970 Paris Modernist Long Necklace Sautoir In .925 Sterling Silver

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

PIERRE CARDIN 1970 Paris Sculptural Geometric Ring In 14Kt Gold And Sterling

1950s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Andy WarholFamous Raincoat, 1955

1950s American Modern Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Andy WarholFamous Raincoat, 1955

Vintage 1970s French Mid-Century Modern Collectible Jewelry

Pierre Cardin 1970 Paris Sculptural Artistic Metallic Tie In Steel And Enamel

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Chain Necklaces

Pierre Cardin 1970 Paris Geometric Long Necklace Chain In .925 Sterling Silver

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Drop Necklaces

Pierre Cardin 1970 Paris Sculptural Artistic Metallic Tie in Enamel and Steel

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Pierre Cardin Paris 1970 By Dinh Van Geometric Oval Ring In 14Kt Gold And Onyx

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Pierre Cardin 1970 Paris Geometric Sculptural Ring in 14kt Gold and Sterling

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Pierre Cardin 1970 Paris Geometric Ring in 14 Kt Gold Sterling Silver and Onyx

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Pierre Cardin 1970 Paris Geometric Sculptural Onyx Ring 14kt Gold and Sterling

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cuff Bracelets

Pierre Cardin 1970 Paris Geometric Onyx Dots Cuff Bracelet 14k Gold & Sterling

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Wrist Watches

Pierre Cardin 1971 by Jaeger LeCoultre PC107 Retro Bubble Wrist Watch Stainless

Vintage 1940s French More Necklaces

1947 Roger Scemama Necklace For Christian Dior Couture

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Clutches

Dior Pink Samourai 1947 Armour Frame Clutch Bag

20th Century Italian Top Handle Bags

Dior Montaigne (Ultra Rare) 1947 License Plate 3cdz0921 White Leather satchel

1980s French Evening Gowns

Christian Dior Strapless Red Polka Dot Velvet and Net Gown

2010s Jackets

DIOR Bar Jacket Cruise collection 2020

20th Century Canadian Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs

Set of Six Pierre Cardin Style Chrome Frame and Tan Felted Wool Dining Chairs

Vintage 1950s French Chain Bracelets

Jacques L'enfant for Georges L'enfant Gold Bracelet, Paris, circa 1950

Vintage 1950s French Link Bracelets

Jacques Lenfant for Georges Lenfant Gold "Vé" Bracelet, Paris, C. 1950

21st Century and Contemporary French Shirts

2007 Christian Dior nude gilet

Early 2000s French Shoulder Bags

Christian Dior by John Galliano “Gaucho” black and tan shoulder bag, ss 2006

Early 2000s Italian Hobo Bags

S/S 2006 Dior Double Gaucho Teal Blue Leather Saddle bag

Early 2000s Italian Hobo Bags

Christian Dior Collection 2001 "Trailer Trash" by John Galliano the Cadillac bag

Late 20th Century Top Handle Bags

Christian Dior Chris 1947 Black Leather and Canvas Bag

Early 2000s French Top Handle Bags

Christian Dior Black Red Leather Cadillac 1947 Montaigne Handbag

1940s French Tuxedo Jackets

René Gruau
Hommage a Christian Dior original French vintage fashion poster, 1987

René Gruau
Hommage a Christian Dior original French vintage fashion poster, 1987

Patrick Demarchelier
Christian Dior Haute Couture, Spring 1947, 2011

René Gruau
" Elégante aux perles " .Carlton . Cannes, 1950

René Gruau
" Elégante à la rose et l'éventail " . Carlton Cannes ., 1950

René Gruau
Relax... Chargeurs original vintage poster by René Gruau, 1961

Andy Warhol
Famous Raincoat, 1955

Andy Warhol
Famous Raincoat, 1955

René Gruau
Hommage a Christian Dior original French vintage fashion poster, 1987

René Gruau
Hommage a Christian Dior original French vintage fashion poster, 1987