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.
Technical Knit Calfskin Womens Walk'N'Dior High Top Sneakers 37 Black
Condition: Excellent
$710
Ribbon Petites Fleurs Embroidered J'Adior Slingback Pumps 36.5 Black
Condition: Excellent
$790
Canvas Embroidered Large Ornamental Cornely Book Tote Black Beige
Condition: Very Good
$3,040
Canvas D-Constellation Embroidered Medium Lady D-Lite Latte Multicolor
Condition: Excellent
$3,565
Metallic Patent Micro-Cannage Diorama Wallet on Chain Pouch Silver
Condition: Excellent
$1,250
Technical Fabric Calfskin Diorevolt High Boots 38 Golden Saddle
Condition: Giftable
$1,255
Canvas Houndstooth Embroidered 30 Montaigne Shoulder Strap Black White
Condition: Very Good
$550
Canvas Embroidered Granville Ankle Tie Espadrilles Flats 37.5 Clay
Condition: Excellent
$475
Calfskin Tweed Embroidered Cannage Medium Caro Bag Beige Gold
Condition: Very Good
$3,355
Ultra Matte Calfskin Cannage Small My ABCDior Lady Dior Gray
Condition: Excellent
$5,245
Canvas Zodiac Pixel Embroidered Womens Walk'N'Dior Low Top Sneakers 39 White Multicolor
Condition: Very Good
$605
Metallic Patent Micro-Cannage Diorama Wallet on Chain Pouch Hyper Pink
Condition: Very Good
$1,435
Transparent Metallic Embroidered Mesh Macrame Medium Book Tote Gold
Condition: Very Good
$2,620
Metallic Patent Micro-Cannage Medium Diorama Flap Bag Onyx Black
Condition: Very Good
$2,725
Canvas Embroidered In Lights Dway Mules Slide Sandals 37.5 Green Pink
Condition: Excellent
$685
Canvas Embroidered Large Palm Tree Toile De Jouy Book Tote Blue
Condition: Very Good
$3,565
Technical Stretch Fabric Camouflage Dio(r)evolution Slide Sandals 36 Deep Blue
Condition: Giftable
$730
Canvas Embroidered Vertical Lucky Star Book Tote White Multicolor
Condition: Excellent
$1,895
Canvas Embroidered Jardin D'Hive Shoulder Strap Ecru Multicolor
Condition: Excellent
$895
Technical Fabric Nylon Camouflage Womens D-Wander Sneakers 38 Silver
Condition: Excellent
$605
Canvas Fluo Toile de Jouy Embroidered Dway 10mm Slide Sandals 36 Rose De Vents
Condition: Excellent
$605