Yes, Mr. Dior!
Christian Dior died on October 23rd, 1957, at 52. The classic Dior style continues to this day. I say yes, Mr. Dior, to the sophistication and elegance under the tutelage of Italian fashion designer Maria Grazia Chiuri.
The introduction to Christian Dior’s book The Little Dictionary of Fashion, released in 1954, states precisely what I believe in fashion: “But a woman can be elegant without spending very much money on her clothes if she follows the basic rules of fashion and is careful to choose the clothes that suit her personality.”
Dior goes on to say, “First, you must study yourself. Learn to know what suits you and what does not. And study your own needs. Find the colors that flatter you and emphasize your looks. Avoid colors that do nothing for you.”
Christian Dior was born to affluent parents on January 21st, 1905, in Granville, Manche, France. His father, Maurice Dior, was a wealthy fertilizer manufacturer, and his wife, Isabelle Cardamone, had four siblings. Dior died while on holiday from a heart attack in 1957.
Dior Creative Directors:
I say Mr. Dior for sophistication, elegance, and style.
Christian Dior – 1946-1957
The Dior style stimulated Parisian haute couture in the 1950s. The French designer’s successful first collection debuted in February 1947 with the “New Look.” According to the book 100 Years of Fashion, the New Look, a term coined by Harper’s Bazaar fashion editor Carmel Snow, brought feminine curves and many of the intricate and laborious methods used in making couture garments.
Yves Saint Laurent – 1957-1960↑
August 1, 1936 – June 1, 2008, French fashion designer. In 1957, Saint Laurent found himself, at age 21, the head of the House of Dior. According to Wikipedia, “His spring collection almost certainly saved the enterprise from financial ruin; the straight line of his creations, a softer version of Dior’s New Look, catapulted him to international stardom with what would later be known as the ‘trapeze dress.”
Marc Bohan – 1960-1989↑
French fashion designer best known for his 30-year career at the House of Dior.
Gianfranco Ferré – 1989-1996↑
August 15, 1944 – June 14, 2007, Italian fashion designer, also known as the “architect of fashion, ” for his background and original attitude toward creating fashion design.
John Galanos – 1996- 2011↑
A Gibraltar-born British fashion designer, currently creative director of Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela.
Bill Gaytten – 2011-2012↑
Named interim artistic director after John Galliano scandal arose from anti-Semitic statements.
Raf Simons – 2012-2015↑
A Belgian fashion designer, presently chief creative officer at Calvin Klein.
Maria Grazia Chuiri – 2016 -Present↑
In July 2016, Chuiri was announced as the creative director at Dior.
Dior Awards, honors, and accomplishments:
♦ 1955 Academy Award Nomination for Best Costume for Terminal Station.
♦ 1967 BAFTA Nomination for Best British Costume for Arabesque.
♦ 1986 Nomination during the 11 Cesar Awards for Best Costume Design for Bras de Fer.
I am Paris-bound in less than three weeks. My itinerary includes a stop in Normandy. I hope our schedules allow us to visit Dior’s childhood home, now a museum.
Do you say yes, Mr. Dior, all the fabulous classic haute couture designs? Let me know.
Have a fabulous and stylish week👠
Enjoyed reading your story of Mr. Dior who was an amazing designer. You can still see his fashion influence 60 years later. Also you look absolutely elegant!
Cynthia,
Thank you for stopping by The Age of Grace, you know I appreciate it. I updated a not so new dress with the new ASOS oversized faux fur scarf and the Fashionphile Chanel. It’s amazing how new accessories and attitude can upgrade a look.
Yes, Mr. Dior was an amazing designer. He would be ecstatic to see how his fashion influence continues today with Maria Grazia Chiuri.
I saw Yes,, too! Emphatically. Thanks for sharing this fascinating history and photos. He would lvoe what you are wearing, I do certainly!
xx, Elle
http://www.theellediaries.com/blog/
Elle,
Hi! I hope Mr. Dior would love that I wore a classic wool jersey dress and updated the look with timeless accessories.
Oh dear, my clumsy fingers, I meant to say :
I say Yes, Too!
xx
😃
Eugenia, What a wonderful post! I think Dior and Chanel are
two of the most influential fashion designers.
Nina,
Hi! It’s great to hear from you. I agree with you about Chanel and Dior, they both have tremendous fashion legacies.