Christian Dior (January 21, 1905 - October 24, 1957) was a French fashion designer born in Granville, France and was one of the most important designers of the 20th Century. His fashion house defined the post-war style of The '50s and his sumptuous clothes were synonymous with French luxury and glamour. His introduced the New Look silhouette in 1947, which was characterized by a tight waist, narrow shoulders and voluminous skirts.note His hyper-feminine aesthetic was a direct response to World War II era austerity and came to represent post-war optimism. His work was embraced by European royalty, American high society, Argentinian first lady Eva Perón, and Hollywood, and his iconic dresses were widely copied by other couture houses as well as mass market manufacturers.
Born to a wealthy family, Dior first succumbed to family pressure and pursued a degree in Political Science before opening his own art gallery. When the gallery failed and his family's fortunes declined, he joined the army. After leaving the army, he began sketching for fashion magazines and eventually began working for the House of Lucien Lelong, where he became an assistant designer. During the war years, his clients included the occupying Nazi officer's wives, but his sister Catherine worked for the resistance and he occasionally helped her in her work. A popular legend claims he named his perfume, Miss Dior, after her.
He founded his own house in 1947, with his very first collection creating the New Look worldwide sensation. Dior himself would die young of a heart attack at only 52 and be replaced by his 21-year-old assistant, Yves Saint Laurent. His fashion house and brand continue to thrive to this day.
