Christian Dior
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.
Average Sold Price |
$3,761 |
Related Designers |
1990s Christian Dior
2010s Christian Dior
1970s French Christian Dior
Early 2000s Christian Dior
Early 2000s French Christian Dior
Early 2000s Italian Christian Dior
20th Century French Christian Dior
1960s French Christian Dior
Popular Searches
Christian Dior Sellers
Designers Similar to Christian Dior
Read More
Too Soon for the Return of ’90s Fashion? As If
There's a renewed appreciation for the era's aesthetic, perhaps most notably among millennials seeking authentic, easy style.
14 Iconic Luxury Handbags and the Stories behind Them
When the name of a bag is as well-known as its brand, you know it's a classic.
The V&A Takes a Fresh Look at the New Look’s Pioneering Progenitor, Christian Dior
Ballrooms, Bar Suits and British royals — in a sweeping exhibition, the London museum looks back on 70 years of the French fashion house, as well as its illustrious founder and his fondness for the United Kingdom.
The Best Ways to Dress for Your Astrological Sign
Makeup and astrology expert Linda Mason dispenses fashion advice for every zodiac sign. Does your wardrobe match your horoscope?
How Well Do You REALLY Know Christian Dior?
Test your understanding of the man behind the legendary French fashion house with our 13-question quiz.
Christian Dior fashion for sale on 1stDibs.
- Who makes Dior sunglasses?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022As of 2021, Dior eyewear is manufactured by Thélios, an Italian company owned by Dior’s parent company LVMH Moët Hennessy – Louis Vuitton. The change happened after the 23-year long license deal with the eyewear company Safilo expired in 2020. Shop a collection of vintage and contemporary Dior eyewear from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The last four digits on a Lady Dior date code indicate the month and year. The first and third digits represent the month, while the second and fourth digits represent the year. For example, if your date code ends with 1128, that would mean the time of manufacture was December 2018. This is the same code system used by Louis Vuitton.
- How can I wear a Dior Mitzah?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022You can wear a Dior Mitzah in many ways. Wrap the long, narrow strip of fabric around your neck and tie it in a bow like a scarf, or coil it around the handles of your Dior handbag. The dimensions of the scarf also allow it to function as a headband or a wrist wrap. Shop a large selection of Dior scarves on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 19, 2024Yes, 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. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022After 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.
- Is Dior a public company?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Yes, Dior is a publicly traded company. Its full name is Christian Dior SE. The stock trades on the Euronext 100 market under the initials "CDI." The largest shareholder and primary owner of the company is the French corporation LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton. You’ll find a large selection of Dior on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, the Dior saddle bag is generally not considered a classic bag. It debuted in 1999 in the Spring/Summer 2000 collection designed by John Galliano. Because of its introduction year, the saddle bag isn't a vintage style and is usually thought of as a modern design. Shop a range of Dior saddle bags on 1stDibs.
- Where are Dior products made?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The location of manufacture for Dior products varies depending on the product. For example, Dior’s leather goods are made in Italy, their timepieces are crafted in Switzerland, and jeans are produced in Japan. For information on specific products, consult the brand’s website. Find a collection of vintage and contemporary Dior clothing and accessories 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Is Dior a luxury brand?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Yes, Dior is a luxury brand.
Legendary French designer Christian Dior launched his haute couture house in 1946. He would go on to alter 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.
A luxury brand is typically recognized for its heritage and its dedication to uncompromising quality standards (luxury brands are synonymous with a history of excellence in service and craftsmanship). Exclusivity plays an enormous role with respect to luxury brands, and while all luxury fashion brands are not necessarily haute couture houses, what could be more exclusive than a dress that has been custom-fitted and constructed by hand from start to finish?
Only a select group of fashion houses are legally permitted to operate with the haute couture title, and Dior, a universally revered luxury brand, is one of them.
Find vintage Dior clothing and accessories 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.
- Who is Christian Dior?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Christian 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022The current designer for Dior is Maria Grazia Chiuri as of December 2021. She became the first woman to lead creative designs at the brand when she took on the role in 2016. Previous chief designers for Dior include founder Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Marc Bohan and Gianfranco Ferré. On 1stDibs, shop a large collection of Dior garments, jewelry and accessories.
- 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.
- 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 ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Christian 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.
- Why is Christian Dior so famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022Christian 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 13, 2024When 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 19, 2024The 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. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 25, 2024Yes, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Christian 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Christian 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.
- 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 29, 2024No, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 26, 2024To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022No, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022No, 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023To 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Christian 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.