Dior

 This exquisite designer, born in 1905, has shaped the face of French Fashion since launching his own fashion house in 1946. Using the shop as a platform to showcase his women's fashion, Dior became famous for his expertly tailored designs for the modern era. Opening boutiques in New York and then London during the years 1949 and 1952, Christian Dior revolutionized women's fashion with the 'New Look' line designed in 1947, and the haute couture designs became classic masterpieces for women.  

When the fashion house celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1957, it had sold 100,000 garments and was undeniably a great success. Although Dior was preparing for retirement at this time, he suffered from two hearts attacks and went to Italy to recuperate. Sadly on this trip he suffered a third seizure which took his life.   

Despite Dior's death, he had already established himself as one of the world's most famous and revered fashion designers, and the company went from strength to strength. Yves Saint Laurent became the leading designer for Dior and launched his own career, and in 1984 Bernard Arnolt acquired control of Christian Dior. In 1996 John Galliano is appointed lead designer to rejuvenate the Dior image. Artistic Director Victoire Castellane launched Christian Dior's Haute Joaillerie in 2001, a success within the luxury jewellery market which enabled the Dior sales to climb to 350 million.

In 2001 the company employed Hedi Slimane,32, a designer who had already created a stir in the fashion world by designing for Yves Saint Laurent. Presented at Slimane's first show in January 2001, the new men's fashion line was a roaring success, and amongst those holding a candle for Dior were Mick Jagger and Brad Pitt. 

Nowadays, Christian Dior has ascended far above the fashion house it started as, selling luxury goods such as handbags perfume all over the world, and the Christian Dior brand has become as sought after as the goods themselves. As Kevin Almond asserts in the publication Contemporary Fashion, "By the time Dior died his name had become synonymous with taste and luxury."

 Zee & Co Menswear