Christian Dior

Christian Dior transformed post-war fashion with his revolutionary "New Look" collection in 1947. Born in Granville, France, to a wealthy fertilizer manufacturer, he initially pursued a career in art and ran a small gallery before entering the fashion world.

After working for Robert Piguet and Lucien Lelong, Dior established his own fashion house in 1946, backed by textile manufacturer Marcel Boussac. His first collection, dubbed the "New Look" by Harper's Bazaar editor Carmel Snow, featured rounded shoulders, cinched waist, and full skirts that used excessive fabric – a bold statement in post-war France when materials were still being rationed.

The House of Dior quickly expanded into furs, hats, stockings, and perfumes. Dior was among the first couturiers to license his designs, making luxury fashion more accessible to a wider audience. He established global operations, making Paris fashion available worldwide.

Though his career lasted only a decade, Dior's influence on fashion was profound. He trained many notable designers, including Yves Saint Laurent, who succeeded him after his sudden death in 1957. Today, the House of Dior continues to be a leading force in global luxury fashion, maintaining the founder's legacy of elegance and innovation.