Christian Dior has gone through many changes and a total of five designers and it’s just been announced that Raf Simons will be the new heir to the fashion house. Raf Simons hails from Jil Sander and has many people wondering if his minimalist style will echo Dior’s early years of fashion or will he continue with John Galliano’s dramatic (and sometimes over the top) looks.
For now, all we can do is speculate and dream. To help stir our imaginations, let’s take a look at a visual history of Dior through the years!
Christian Dior (1946-1957)
In 1947, the label’s founder created what was known as the “New Look” when he presented a feminine collection of flowing skirts, tiny waists, and soft shoulders—a very different look compared to the slinky silhouette of the 1930s. The style is so timeless, even Natalie Portman was photographed wearing a Dior red polka dot gown circa 1954 to this year’s Academy Awards.
Yves Saint Laurent (1957-1960)
Before founding his own fashion label, Yves Saint Laurent found himself at age 21 as Dior’s successor and debuted his first collection in the spring of 1958. His most famous creation is his trapeze dress was a big leap from the previous cinched in looks and a perfect segue into the 1960s.
Marc Bohan (1961-1988)
Bohan had a much more conservative aesthetic than Dior or Laurent, but remained in demand among celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace of Monaco. Through his long run, Bohan was certainly able to adapt to the many trends through the years.
Gianfranco Ferré (1989-1996)
Ferré, who hails from Italy, was Dior’s first non-French designer and brings a strong Renaissance influence to the label with baroque fabrics and pronounced shapes.
John Galliano (1996-2011)
Dior’s last successor, John Galliano, amped up the drama for Dior and became known for his flamboyant haute couture shows that achieved a fine balance of beautiful and whimsical.
What does Raf Simons have in store for Dior? We can only guess, but I’m sure it will do the great fashion house proud!
To learn more about Raf Simons, check out this link or check out his final collection at Jil Sander!
