When Dior founded his company in 1946, he promised to create “a dress for the woman of tomorrow“. During this time, Christian Dior was achieving big success with simple designs.
The post-war era was called by some fashion historians ‘ The Golden Age’ because designers often created a new way to dress women up for this time. Those days were also called ‘the golden age of couture’.
Dior’s fabrics seemed luxurious because they were made with silk or nylon that was imported from Italy even before after war. Some sources said it is because he knew about a large amount of fabric was wasted during the production process, so Dior used waste for his products.
It was also said that he changed his design idea of the lines based on the shapes of women’s bodies so they would be more feminine and enchanting. It has always been Dior’s vision to create new ideas for every detail of the dress, whether handbags or hats so it would perfectly match with women’s dresses.
Even though these designs were created after World War II, they were slightly ahead of their time compared to the 1920s style. Many people called them ‘New Look’ because of these efforts about fuller skirts and short waistlines.
How Dior Has Adadpted Over the Years
The Dior brand experienced various changes in management until 1988, when Mr Bernard Arnault became its chief designer. Since then, Dior has produced many popular collections in the contemporary era. Currently, Christian Dior company is now owned by luxury goods conglomerate Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy.
Dior’s vision of design was always centred around the notion that he wanted to create something different with simple lines and shape for every woman.
DIOR COLLABORATIONS
Dior has always been linked with different artists and now we’ll review some of the most important collaborations Dior has made:
Developing his own fashion line, Christian Dior created a storm in the world of haute couture. The brand soon became one of the most desired designer clothing ranges by women around the globe. However, he wanted to create something different – something more appealing – and decided to launch a second collection – for men. Launched in 2002 as an addition to the already renowned fashion house, Dior Homme was designed by none other than Raf Simons (who later took over from John Galliano). For their first collaboration, Simons went back to the archives and drew inspiration from original founder’s sketches to come up with traditional yet edgy pieces.
The artist Paolo Roversi is one of the best-known fashion photographers in the world, having shot for Vogue for years and also shooting campaigns for Gucci, Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Vuitton. It was only a matter of time that he would collaborate with Dior Homme, and it happened in 2009 with a semi-nude photoshoot showcasing Raf Simons’ vision on menswear. The fashion house has since collaborated with many different artists from all around the world, such as Peter Lindbergh (shot by whom some claim to be Sinatra’s last portrait), Inez van Lamsweerde & Vinoodh Matadin, Terry Richardson or Hedi Slimane.
Now, let’s look at some of the most significant fashion campaigns Dior has made, including selected advertising campaigns for each brand.
DIOR MEN’S FASHION CAMPAIGNS
Raf Simons is the creative director for Dior Homme. He took over from John Galliano in April 2012 after the latter was fired following his controversial remarks towards a couple while out in Paris. Simons, who always liked working with menswear, has worked at Jil Sander and went on to design his own namesake label which he later sold to Gucci Group (now part of Prada) before taking up this position. The Dior brand itself has been known for its glamorous style with sharp shoulders and skinny suits, something that can be found in most of Raf Simons’ collections. In fact, it might be more appropriate to him a minimalist rather than a maximalist – and that’s what we love about him.
Dior Homme fashion shows are well worth attending; there is always a laidback and casual vibe (just like the clothes themselves), which appeals to both men and women, making it one of the most important fashion houses in the world for men to attend.
This year, Dior Homme showed its Spring Summer 2017 collection at Paris Fashion Week Men during September 2016; it was exactly nine years since Raf Simons presented his first Dior Homme collections as creative director. If you missed this fashion show you can book your tickets now for next season.
The latest campaign features models Matt Bomer and Josh Bradely Storm with Laura Kim as stylist, captured by Steven Klein.
Raf Simons & Sterling Ruby for Dior Homme Spring Summer 2016 campaign
In 2004, Raf Simons signed to design a whole collection for the American brand GAP. This was quite an interesting project since it captures both worlds of casual wear and luxury fashion. The collaboration has been well received, especially with the younger crowds who are always looking for something more casual yet luxurious.
Dior’s iconic style can be seen throughout its history; one of them is its cruise travel collection which features cozy knits, tailored coats, trenchcoats and suits made of rich and luxurious materials such as wool, cashmere and mohair. This collection appeals to anyone who wants a masculine yet dainty look for their travels.
Another is the Dior Homme Avant-Garde collection which takes us back to the 70s with its vintage-inspired looks that capture retro sensuality. We can see double-breasted jackets, fishtail parkas, flared jeans and quilted vests throughout this campaign featuring models like Parris Goebel, Steven Klein & Josh Bradely Storm. These drapes of soft fabric together with dandyish suits are reminiscent of some of John Galliano’s most famous creations.
