Christian Dior - Background information (Part 1)

Before studying in the brand, we have to know about its background information at the beginning. Espcially Christian Dior is a brand that has a hundred years history, we have to clear about the cultural changes which may influence the style of the brand.

Dior on the cover of Time magazine, 1957
© RAPHO
Archives Christian Dior

The “New look” by Mr. Christian Dior

After Second World war – voluptuous “New look” was published by Christian Dior in his 1^stlong skirts, tiny waists and beautiful fabrics... He also defined a new business model in the post-war fashion industry by establishing Dior as a global brand across a wide range of products. In 1950’s , Christian Dior was indisputably the world’s most famous fashion designer. His name was known all over the world and his label accounted for half of France’s haute couture exports. “H-line”, “A-line”, Y-line” style which was designed by him, were still affecting the trend in nowadays’ fashion industry.

Y Line dress - Autumn/ winter 1955-56
Photograph by Regina Reland
© Münchner Stadtmuseum
Archives Christian Dior

The new "H" Line - collection 1954

The Black

Before the Dior’s appearance, BLACK is always a heavy color that gave people feeling of serious, formal, boring and tradition. But Dior apply a lot of black in his natural New look designs. Through his hand, black also can represent strongness, touch, modern image of post-war women. Christian Dior changed the social culture, made BLACK became a fashionable color at that time. "Y" evening dress, fall/winter 1955–56

Exemplifying Dior's faultless minimalism of 1955, this simple black column anticipates a form of evening dress that has continued to the present.