Dior is a French fashion house founded by Christian Dior on 16 December 1946 at 30 Avenue Montaigne, Paris. At first the house made haute couture clothing. Its name rose to fame with its first collection in February 1947, which Harper's Bazaar editor Carmel Snow called the "New Look": a slim waist, a full skirt, and a silhouette that changed women's fashion after the war. Since 1950, through a licensing program, the Dior name has also appeared on goods other than clothing, including handbags. Its first shoe line followed in 1953. Today Dior makes leather goods, accessories, footwear, jewelry, watches, and perfume, alongside clothing. For buyers of secondhand bags, this history helps explain where the label, style, and standard of craftsmanship of a Dior bag come from.
Read more
Christian Dior founded his fashion house on 16 December 1946, with funding from the businessman Marcel Boussac. Boussac had actually invited Dior to design for an older brand, Philippe et Gaston. Dior refused. He wanted to start from scratch under his own name. The starting capital was FFr 6 million, with 80 employees. The company now celebrates 1947 as its opening year.
On 12 February 1947, Dior showed his first collection. Its two lines were originally named "Corolle" and "Huit", but history records it as the "New Look". Its hallmarks were a small waist and a full skirt reaching below the calf, as in the "Bar" suit. The collection is seen as having helped restore Paris as the center of fashion. Not everyone liked it. Some considered its use of fabric wasteful after years of cloth rationing. Later designers still referred to it, for example John Galliano in 2007 and Raf Simons in 2012.
In 1950, general manager Jacques Rouët set up a licensing program so that the Dior name would appear on a range of luxury goods. It began with ties, then long stockings, furs, hats, gloves, handbags, jewelry, lingerie, and scarves. Some members of the French Chambre Syndicale de la Couture criticized it, but other couture houses later followed the approach. The first shoe line was launched in 1953 with the help of Roger Vivier. As its popularity grew, counterfeiting grew too. Christian Dior died on 24 October 1957. Yves Saint Laurent, who was 21 at the time, was appointed artistic director. Marc Bohan succeeded him in late 1960.
Dior is currently empty. Preloved pieces arrive one at a time, check again after the next drop.
What we check before listing
We start with the label and the name stamp: the thickness of the letters, the spacing, and the placement should be neat and consistent on the inside and outside. Stitching is checked for tightness and straightness, especially at corners, straps, and edges. Hardware is checked for weight, color plating, hinges, and how the zipper or clasp works. We also check the inside of the bag for lining, smell, stains, and small tears. Dior's history records that counterfeits have appeared since the 1950s, so we compare many details together. This is our checking routine, not a guarantee of authenticity.
Caring for it
Store the bag in a cool, dry place, in a dust bag, with light stuffing to help it keep its shape. Avoid rain, direct heat, and rubbing against dark clothing that can transfer color. Clean the surface with a soft, dry cloth. For stains or leather that is starting to stiffen, take it to an experienced bag care service.
FAQ
Where does Dior come from and when was it founded?
Dior is a French fashion house founded by Christian Dior on 16 December 1946 in Paris. The company itself celebrates 1947 as its opening year.
Has Dior made bags since the beginning?
At first Dior focused on haute couture clothing. The Dior name began to appear on other goods, including handbags, through a licensing program set up in 1950.
How can I tell whether a secondhand Dior bag is authentic?
No single sign is enough. We check the label, stitching, hardware, materials, and the condition of the inside all together. Dior counterfeits have been recorded since the 1950s, so compare several details and ask for clear photos before buying.
What is the difference between Christian Dior, Dior Homme, and baby Dior?
The Christian Dior label is mainly used for women's products. Dior Homme is for men's products, and baby Dior is for children's products.
References
Facts summarised and rewritten from the sources above (CC BY-SA licence).