In the world of luxury fashion, Dior’s richness of history is practically unparalleled. On this episode, I visit the Brooklyn Museum’s “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” exhibition and walk through the house’s aesthetic evolution-one that’s been shaped by changes in style, historical context, and creative leadership.
I begin with the conception of the brand by Christian Dior in 1946. French women’s clothing at the time was utilitarian and pared down to the essential, as World War II had recently ended. Dior made headlines with his “New Look” design, an hourglass style characterized by a wasp waist and a full skirt. Dior’s designs soon attracted attention in America, and the house quickly became internationally recognized. Next I delve into Dior’s successors, which include Yves Saint Laurent, Mark Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri, each of whom has left their own distinct mark on the brand.
While Dior will inspire interest for decades to come, it is made exceptional because of its storied past as well as the codes that have become embedded in its foundation over time. Not every house could have an exhibition like the one at the Brooklyn Museum. Very few houses have created so much beauty, over so much time, and in so many ways.
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Produced by The Slowdown (www.slowdown.tv)
Theme music: Cate Le Bon (www.catelebon.com)
Credits:
Dior: www.dior.com
References (by order of appearance):
Dovima with Elephants (1955)
Elizabeth Taylor, Actress
Lauren Bacall, Actress
Rita Hayworth, Actress
Jennifer Lawrence, Actress
Nicole Kidman, Actress
The Christian Dior Toile Room
Spring/Summer Collection (2007)
Christian Dior, founder of Christian Dior
Christian Dior's Gallery (1920s)
Christian Dior with artists Salvador and Gala Dalí, Victor Grandpierre and Jacques Benita in Barcelona, Spain (1956)
The World of Monsieur Dior in his Own Words (1949)
Carmel Snow, Editor
Parsons School of Design
Spring/Summer Collection (1947)
Renee Breton, Model
The Bar Suit “Afternoon Ensemble”
Ecru Natural Shantung Jacket and Black Pleated Wool Crepe Skirt
Spring/Summer Collection (1947)
Spring/Summer Collection (1949)
The Acacias Suit
The Bar Jackets by Maria Grazia Chiuri
Miss Dior - The new Eau de Parfum, 2017
Yves Saint Laurent, Fashion Designer
Christian Dior’s Atelier, Paris (1959)
Tessa Beaumont, Dancer
Yves Saint Laurent’s Dior Debut, Paris (1958)
Christian Dior at a Feast of St. Catherine (1950s)
Madame Delahaye, Fortune Teller
Yves Saint Laurent Documentary, Courtesy SND Films
Spring/Summer Collection (1958)
“Bonnes Vacances” Trapeze-line Day Dress
Marc Bohan, Fashion Designer
Spring/Summer Collection (1961)
Fall/Winter Collection (1961)
Short Rosine Dress in Water-Repellent Ivory Silk
Spring/Summer Collection (1972)
Afternoon Dress in Orange Woolen Jersey
The Dior Fashion Show By Bohan (1961)
Gianfranco Ferré, Fashion Designer
Spring/Summer Collection (1992)
Autumn/Winter Collection (1996)
Spring/Summer Collection (1993)
Christy Turlington, Model
John Galliano, Fashion Designer
Spring/Summer Collection (2007)
Fall/Winter Collection (1997)
Naomi Campbell, Model
Spring/Summer Collection (2004)
Madame X Meets Klimt collection, Spring/Summer (2008)
Chanel Iman, Model
Charlize Theron, Actress
Christian’s Dior 60th Anniversary (2007)
Christian Dior Bob Marley Saddle Bag by John Galliano
Raf Simons, Fashion Designer
Diane Kruger, Actress
Fall/Winter Collection (2012)
Keira Knightley, Actress
Natalie Portman, Actress
Maria Grazia Chiuri, Fashion Designer
Spring/Summer Collection (2017)
Fall/Winter Collection (2019)
Christian Dior Spring 2020, embroidered banner by Judy Chicago
Spring/Summer Collection (2021)
Maria Grazia Chiuri and Mickalene Thomas Collaboration (2020)
Spring/Summer Collection (2020)
Fall/Winter Collection (1955)
Elizabeth Taylor, Actress
Marilyn Monroe, Actress
Nicole Kidman, Actress
Tom Cruise, Actor