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Christian Dior
In January of the year 1905, Christian Dior was born in a coastal town of Normandy, France. The second oldest of five siblings, Dior’s family included a father who was a wealthy fertilizer manufacturer. After moving his family to Paris when Christian was five, his father would take the family back to vacation in Normandy during the summers. The Dior Museum was erected years later to pay homage to the birthplace of this now-celebrated fashion designer.
Though Dior’s father tried to pressure him to pursue a political career, Dior was more interested in art. He pursued this fascination by selling his fashion sketches for 10 francs each out of the family home. But pressure from his father eventually caused him to enroll in the École des Sciences Politiques, where he studied political science. However, following his graduation in 1928, Dior opened a small art gallery with the help of his father, who gave Dior the money with the stipulation that the family name would be displayed above the gallery door. It was at this gallery where he and his colleague sold pieces by notable artists that included Pablo Picasso. But due to such tragic circumstances that included the Great Depression and the death of his parents and brother, Dior was forced to close the gallery in 1931.
Dior was hired as fashion designer Robert Piguet’s assistant in 1937. Of Piguet, Dior would later say that he taught Dior “the virtues of simplicity through which true elegance must come.” Among the designs, Dior made for Piguet was the Café Anglais, a short, full skirt that became an instant hit upon its release. However, by this time World War II had begun, and Dior left Piguet to enlist in the French army.
Once the war was over, Dior returned to Paris and opened his own fashion house in 1946 with the help of textile manufacturer Marcel Boussac. Dior presented his first collection in 1947, naming it “Corolle” after a botanical term for a circle of flower petals. But Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow referred to it simply as Dior’s “New Look,” a name that stuck, and so the collection would ever after be referred to as the New Look collection. This collection contrasted the War-rationed designs of the times with a more womanly shape, resulting in a line of clothing that perfectly encompassed the design needs of the post-war woman: functional yet fashionable. The New Look collection was an uncontested success, and its creations continued to influence fashion designers for years to come. The collection also helped reestablish Paris as the world’s fashion center in the years following the War.
The Christian Dior name continues to hold a prominent place in fashion. Despite being best known for designing women’s ready-to-wear couture, the ever-present popularity of Dior handbags has gained new heights in the most recent years. Popular Christian Dior handbags include the Diorama, Saddle Bag and the classic Lady Dior (renamed for Princess Diana as she was known to carry the bag). Explore FASHIONPHILE’s collection of authentic, preowned Christian Dior handbags, totes, and wallets.
1,354 items
Christian Dior Matte Calfskin Cannage Studded Medium Supple Lady Dior Ultra Black
Condition: Shows Wear
$3,995
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Medium 4 Saisons Hiver Soleil Book Tote Multicolor
Condition: Excellent
$2,895
Christian Dior Toile de Jouy Ribbon Embroidered J'Adior Slingback 65mm Pumps 38 Blue Off White
Condition: Shows Wear
$625
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Florilegio J'Adior Slingback 65mm Pumps 38 White Multicolor
Condition: Excellent
$795
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Large Jardin D'Hiver Book Tote Latte Multicolor
Condition: Shows Wear
$2,365
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Medium Butterfly Print Book Tote Multicolor
Condition: Shows Wear
$3,195
Christian Dior Technical Canvas Ribbon Embroidered J'Adior 65mm Pumps 38 Black
Condition: Shows Wear
$395
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Studded Adjustable Shoulder Strap Black Multicolor
Condition: Excellent
$595
Christian Dior Shearling Canvas Embroidered Dway 10mm Slide Sandals 39.5 Natural Deep Blue
Condition: Shows Wear
$550
Christian Dior Canvas Embroidered Dioramour Dway Mules Slide Sandals 37 Multicolor
Condition: Excellent
$550
Christian Dior Patent Cannage Small Lady Dior Flap Card Holder Rose De Vents
Condition: Shows Wear
$395
Christian Dior Grained Calfskin Supple Cannage Caro Scarlet Zipped Wallet Black
Condition: Excellent
$695
Christian Dior Laminated Cotton Ribbon Embroidered J'Adior Slingback 65mm Pumps 36 Rose Des Vents
Condition: Shows Wear
$650
Christian Dior Technical Stretch Fabric Dio(r)evolution Toile De Jouy Slide Sandals 35 Coral
Condition: Excellent
$625
Christian Dior Canvas Oblique Walk'N'Dior Low Top Sneakers 38.5 Powder Nude
Condition: Shows Wear
$850
Christian Dior Metallic Grained Calfskin Diorama Wallet on Chain Pouch Silver
Condition: Shows Wear
$795
Christian Dior X SHAWN STUSSY Grained Calfskin Ox Head Crossbody Double Zip Crossbody Pouch Navy Blue
Condition: Excellent
$825
Christian Dior Metallic Patent Micro-Cannage Small Diorama Flap Bag Hyper Pink
Condition: Shows Wear
$1,150
Christian Dior X DANIEL ARSHAM Grained Calfskin Safari Messenger Bag White
Condition: Shows Wear
$1,200
Christian Dior Stainless Steel Diamond Bezel 36mm Dior VIII Montaigne Automatic Watch
Condition: Shows Wear
$3,595