Christian Dior (How The Brand Started)

In February 1947, Christian Dior launched a revolutionary fashion collection that rejected the sparse wartime aesthetic and symbolized a new era for France and the world. His designs featured feminine, soft silhouettes made from abundant luxury fabrics, representing a radical departure from the wartime rationing of materials. This collection highlighted the necessity of creative genius in fashion, as only highly imaginative designers could produce such impactful work. Although met with controversy and protests, including criticism over its expense and perceived wastefulness, the collection—dubbed 'the new look'—captured a cultural moment marked by a collective yearning for celebration and luxury post-war. The collection not only transformed the fashion landscape but also became a significant financial success, with Dior's fashions accounting for 75% of Paris’s fashion exports within two years, emphasizing the enduring importance of the luxury industry to France's economy.