Question 1

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 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

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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 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

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 11

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 12

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 13

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 14

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 15

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 16

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 17

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 18

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.

Question 19

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.

Christian Dior Antique

21st Century and Contemporary French Dangle Earrings

Christian Dior Antiqued Silver Toned Logo Leather Dangling Earrings

21st Century and Contemporary French Chain Necklaces

Christian Dior Antiqued Silver Toned Logo Leather Necklace

21st Century and Contemporary Link Necklaces

Christian Dior Antique Gold J'Adior ID Chain Choker Necklace - Brass Adjustable

2010s French Chain Necklaces

Christian Dior Necklace Pearls Bee Logo Lariat Y New w/ Box

2010s French Tote Bags

CHRISTIAN DIOR burgundy leather SADDLE Shoulder Bag

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Vintage Christian Dior Mythological Dragon Brooch 1980s

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Vintage Christian Dior Floppy Bow Brooch 1980s

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior Gold Mesh Collar 1980s

Vintage 1970s Choker Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior Crystal Torque Necklace 1970s

Vintage 1980s Link Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior Amethyst Teardrop Necklace 1980s

Early 2000s Cuff Bracelets

Vintage Christian Dior Leather Logo Cuff 2000s

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior Pendant Watch Necklace 1980s

20th Century French Pendant Necklaces

Christian Dior Boutique Vintage Embellished Cross Pendant

Vintage 1980s Rope Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior Pearl Rope Necklace 1980s

Vintage 1980s Pendant Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior Lucky Horseshoe Necklace 1980s

1990s Scarves

Vintage Christian Dior Logo Silk Necktie 1990s

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Vintage Christian Dior Modernist Ball Brooch 1970

Vintage 1980s Cuff Bracelets

Vintage Christian Dior Crystal Headlight Bracelet 1980s

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior CD Clasp Collar 1980s

Vintage 1970s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Christian Dior Tasselled Leaf Earrings 1970s

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Christian Dior CD Logo Earrings 1980s

20th Century Brooches

Vintage Christian Dior Pearl Trio Brooch 1980s

21st Century and Contemporary French Structured Shoulder Bags

CHRISTIAN DIOR black & white leather 2018 CHECK LADY DIOR MEDIUM TOTE Bag

20th Century French For The Desk

CHRISTIAN DIOR Vintage Silver Tone Ram's Head Paperweight

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wallets and Small Accessories

Christian Dior Blue Embroidered Canvas Book Shoulder Strap

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Wallets and Small Accessories

Christian Dior Shoulder Strap with Medaillons and Rings

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Christian Dior Embellished Love Knot Earrings 1980s

Vintage 1980s Brooches

Vintage Christian Dior Grande Embellished Knot Brooch 1980s

1990s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Christian Dior Oval CD Logo Earrings 1990s

Early 2000s Bucket Bags and Drawstring Bags

Christian Dior Black Leather Cannage Drawstring Shoulder Bag

Vintage 1970s Brooches

Vintage Christian Dior Large Elongated Bow Brooch 1970s

Early 2000s Cuff Bracelets

Christian Dior Two Tone Blush Cuff with Dior Logo by Galliano 2000s

Vintage 1980s Bangles

Vintage Christian Dior Pearl & Crystal Pavé Bangle 1980s

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior Cabochon Jewelled Necklace & Earrings 1980s

Vintage 1980s More Necklaces

Vintage Christian Dior CD Motif Chain Necklace 1980s

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Christian Dior Enamel & Ruby Cabochon Earrings 1980s

1990s Bangles

Christian Dior Black & Gold Resin Heart Bangle 1990s

Early 2000s More Bracelets

Vintage Christian Dior Chunky Logo ID bracelet 2000s

Vintage 1980s Clip-on Earrings

Vintage Christian Dior Onyx Glass & Crystal Earrings 1980s

Vintage 1980s Choker Necklaces