Christian Dior is a household name.
In his time, he dressed celebrities like Marlene Dietrich, Josephine Baker, Eva Peròn and Princess Margaret to only name a few. As from 1947 he became famous for the «New Look» a brand in its own right.
THE BEGINNINGS
But let’s start at the beginning. Christian Dior was born on January 21, 1905 which is why this article is dedicated to him. He was born the second son of a very wealthy family in a small town in the Normandy in France. He had two sisters and two brothers and they lived an idyllic childhood.
With some darker moments as it seems. Christian’s older brother played pranks on him that Christian never could forgive. When he passed away all too early his brother should discover that he was not considered in Christian’s will.
Christian’s mother whose preferred child he was wished for him to marry the daughter of a wealthy colonel while his father wanted his son to enter the diplomatic service. None of this ever happened. His mother never learned about her son’s homosexuality and already in 1928 it became clear that Christian was not destined for the diplomatic service but found his calling in art. He convinced his father to buy him his own modern art gallery that opened its doors in 1928. Since Monsieur Dior senior did not want his name to be connected with modern art, the gallery was opened under Dior’s friend Jacques Bonjon. Well, Dior seemed always have had a good eye; they sold works from Picasso, Dalì and Braque.
HARDSHIPS
The next decade should become a very difficult one. In 1930 his younger brother was declared mentally ill and was taken to a mental hospital where he spent the rest of his life, In 1931, his father lost all his wealth and also Christian’s friend and business partner failed financially. As a consequence they had to shut down the art gallery.
In 1934 Christian falls ill with Tuberculosis. His friends collect money for him to go to a clinic in Ibiza where Christian learns to weave tapestries. In the following year he learns the art of fashion drawing, worked for Schiaparelli, Balenciaga and Nina Ricci and rents his own apartment in Paris. Only in 1938 the Swiss fashion designer Robert Piguet hires Dior full time and he attracts the attention of the editor of «Harper’s Bazaar»
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In 1939 WW2 breaks out and Christian must join the army but is released in the same year. Since Paris is still occupied he decides for the South of France where his family now lives. They sell the fruits and vegetables from their own garden to make a living.
After 18 months Christian goes back to Paris where he works for the House of Lelong. Although their only customers at that time were Germans Lucien Lelong managed to stay in Paris and all his shops remained open.
THE HOUSE OF DIOR
In 1946, the at that time very renowned House of Philippe et Gaston invited Christian Dior to become their head designer. However, while Christian Dior was walking in the streets of Paris he had a hunch that made him decline the offer and create is very own fashion house.
The rest is history.
Christian Dior died in 1957 while on holiday in Montecatini in Tuscany at the age of only 52. The exact circumstances of his death are unclear to this day.
Personally, I believe that Christian Dior is an example of tenacity. He never gave up on his goals. No matter if one likes the «New Look» Silhouette or not; the mark he left for fashion and taste is undeniable.
Brigitte Kobi