$name

In 1946, Christian Dior founded one of the defining maisons of 20th-century fashion. The couture house opened at 30 Avenue Montaigne in Paris, with the backing of textile manufacturer Marcel Boussac. Dior originated as — and remains to this day — a celebration of elegance, craftsmanship and modern femininity.

The house's debut collection in 1947 transformed post-war fashion. Its cinched waists, soft shoulders and full skirts marked a radical departure from wartime austerity, and instead restored glamour and luxury. This collection — later known as the ‘New Look’ — re-established a more feminine silhouette and featured famous pieces such as the Bar Suit with a full, black skirt.

Beyond couture, Dior expanded into perfumes, accessories and licensing ventures, pioneering a modern luxury business model that would influence generations of fashion houses. The fragrance Miss Dior launched alongside the house’s first collection, and the brand debuted their Rouge Dior lipstick in 1953.

The house quickly became globally renowned, with Christian Dior appearing on TIME Magazine's cover in 1957 — the first couturier to achieve this. Shortly after the magazine’s release, the designer passed away at 52 years old. Following his death, the brand continued to evolve under a succession of influential designers. Among them were Yves Saint Laurent — who Dior had originally hired as an assistant in 1955 — as well as Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons and Maria Grazia Chiuri.

Dior’s pieces have become a shorthand for modern glamour, with the house renowned for haute couture and ready-to-wear clothes, alongside bags and fragrances. The iconic Miss Dior Dress was introduced in the 1949 collection, with the house’s most-coveted bags including the Lady Dior Bag (1995) and the Dior Saddle Bag (1999).

Today, Dior remains one of the most influential luxury houses in the world, balancing tradition with contemporary creativity. The brand continues to shape the language of modern fashion, with Christian Dior once noting: ‘My house, from the beginning, was meant to be a temple of elegance and joy.’