We are all familiar with the multi-million fashion business that stands today as Christian Dior. The infamous CD logo inevitably leaps to mind for many of us, I’m sure. Christian Dior is a revolutionary name in the fashion industry; a name which is exceptionally deserving and worthy of its icon status. In many ways, Christian Dior changed the way fashion is not only viewed, but also produced, having been the very first couturier to arrange licensed production of his designs.
We now know the fashion brand for the wearable designs that Maria Grazia Chiuri has brought to the table as its first female creative director. Her reinvention of Marc Bohan’s Dior Oblique pattern is unmissable. Whether it’s on the B23 high-top sneakers you cannot walk the streets and not spot, or on the book tote bag everyone is taking trendy holiday instagram pictures with, one thing is for sure – it is completely and undeniably popular.
Even through this brief discussion of the Dior Oblique pattern we can see just how influential and important every creative director’s contribution is to the brand. Thus, let’s embark on a journey through time and look at the creative director’s to grace the Christian Dior label.
Christian Dior (1946-1957)

Recommendation: Dior By Dior
Yves Saint Laurent (1957-1960)

Recommendation: Yves Saint Laurent: Icons of Fashion Design
Marc Bohan (1960-1989)

Recommendation: Dior Par Marc Bohan, Assouline
Gianfranco Ferre (1989-1997)

Recommendation: Gianfranco Ferre Drawings
John Galliano (1997-2011)

Recommendation: John Galliano: Unseen
Raf Simons (2012-2015)
Every fashion junkie has undoubtedly watched the beautiful documentary Dior & I, which saw Raf Simons’ first steps as creative director and his attempts at modernising the processes of haute couture, alongside working on, and significantly succeeding in, his very first show. His work brought back the sophisticated and elegant look of the past, but with a new, fresh edge. His three year reign at Dior brought an increase in sales of 60%, however, unfortunately, he decided not to renew his contract and left to focus on his own brand.
Recommendation: Raf Simons By Terry Jones Coffee Table Book
Maria Grazia Chiuri (2016-today)
As mentioned previously, Grazia Chiuri is the first ever woman to creatively direct and lead the Dior label by herself. She has unfortunately received some backlash, with critics commenting on her lack of creativity, suggesting that Dior had appointed the wrong designer for the role. The truth is, her designs prove wearability in a way not seen before by Dior. Some of her designs like the ‘we should all be feminists’ t-shirts are easily everyday attire. And maybe that’s what makes her collections special. Not only can her designs empower women in their everyday lives, but from a sales standpoint, her collections certainly do prove very successful.
Subscribe to The Renaissaint’s Youtube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1AWq1FOK8cZ9adUfePE3Gw
Check the video out:
Links To Level Up
Reading List
A collection of our favourite reads across categories to get you started.
Supplements & Nutrition
Our friends at YGF Group will be supplying The Renaissaint readers with discounted supplementation and nutrition.
4 Week Crossfit Plan
Forget about sets and splits, this guide will help you work your body as a whole.
Top Remote Work Destinations
A list of the best places across the globe set up well for remote work.