Christian Dior

Christian Dior was an influential French fashion designer.

He was born in Granville, Normandy, France, heir to a fertilizer fortune. In 1946, backed by textile magnate Marcel Boussac, he established his main house of couture in Paris. In twelve years he expanded his business to 15 countries and employed over 2,000 people.

Dior is known mainly for the 1947 "New Look" which employed narrow shoulders, constricted waist, emphasized bust, and long, wide skirt. His designs represented consistent classic elegance, stressing the feminine look. Dior spread his fashions around the world when he and his partner, Jaques Rouet, started liscensing agreements in the fashion industry. In 1953 Yves Saint-Laurent became his assistant.