Dior

Christian Dior was a fashion designer born in 1905 in Granville, France. Growing up in Paris, Dior became interested in art, selling fashion sketches and becoming a gallery owner. While his gallery was short-lived, his sketches were famous, leading Robert Piguet to hire him in 1937 as a designer (alongside Pierre Balmain). After briefly serving in the military, Dior returned to fashion, working for Lucien Lelong until the end of WWII. In 1946, with the backing of businessman Marcel Boussac, Dior finally founded his namesake house.

Dior presented its first collection in 1947 to critical acclaim. Colloquially known as the "New Look," Dior's designs were feminine, sculptural, and voluptuous, revolutionizing women's fashion. That same year, Dior introduced the fragrance Miss Dior, named after his sister Catherine. After a decade of success, Christian Dior died of a sudden heart attack in 1957, with his apprentice Yves Saint-Laurent becoming his successor. Dior has become one of the top luxury fashion houses in the decades since, producing clothes for men and women, Dior shoes, and bags such as the iconic Dior Saddle Bag designed by John Galliano.