Dior, Christian (1905-1957)

French couturier. He established his own Paris salon in 1947 and made an impact with the ‘New Look’ - long, cinch-waisted, and full-skirted - after wartime austerity.

He worked with Robert Piquet as design assistant in 1938 and for Lucien Lelong 1941-46. His first collection in 1947 was an instant success and he continued to be popular during the 1950s when he created elegant and sophisticated looks with slim skirts and large box-shaped jackets. His last collection in 1957 was based on a waistless shift-style dress with the skirt narrowing towards the hem.