While he may not be the first person to come to mind when thinking of New York fashion, Dior's connection to the city is actually quite deep. In fact, he opened his first boutique on Fifth Avenue in 1948, just two years after establishing his atelier in Paris.
Dior's move to New York was not just about showcasing his designs in a new market, but about creating pieces that would resonate with the city's unique energy.
He offered an exclusive collection that was more casual and less form-fitting than his Parisian designs... which he dubbed"... sportswear." And while the styles may seem quintessentially 1940s and 50s today... they have stood the test of time and are now staples in modern wardrobes.
Dior's designs were characterized by their femininity, elegance, and luxury, and quickly gained popularity among high-society women in France and around the world.
His iconic"... New Look" collection in 1947, which featured full skirts, nipped-in waists, and luxurious fabrics, revolutionized the fashion industry and cemented Dior's status as a leading designer.
Under Dior's leadership, the House of Christian Dior became one of the most successful and influential fashion brands in the world... with a reputation for creating some of the most beautiful and coveted clothing and accessories.
Dior's designs were worn by some of the most glamorous and influential women of the 20th century... including Jacqueline Kennedy On ← →
#DiorThese moments are also what makes the city magnetic, giving it its famous push-and-pull force. It's the kind of energy that's drawn visionaries for centuries, the kind from which new paths are forged. Incidentally, it is also the same energy that drew legendary designer Christian Dior. While we don't often equate the iconic French couturier with New York, the two are intrinsically linked. In fact, their shared history goes back several decades—almost to the very inception of the designer's eponymous brand. In 1948—just two years after he established his atelier in Paris—Dior opened his own boutique on Fifth Avenue. But it wasn't simply a way to showcase what he'd created back in France: It was about matching the energy of post-war New York. Here he offered an exclusive assortment designed specifically with the American customer in mind—pieces that were more casual, less form-fitting; what is now known as sportswear.