6 interesting facts about Christian Dior’s life you probably didn’t know

In honor of the designer’s birthday

On January 21, 1905, the legendary French fashion designer Christian Dior was born. His work transformed the world of fashion, and for over 70 years, his brand has remained one of the most desired globally, embodying refined taste and luxury. While you are probably familiar with Dior’s clothing, cosmetics, or perfumes, how much do you know about the designer himself? Here are a few fascinating facts from his life that you might not have known!

A favorite hobby

The designer loved gardening. In his childhood, Christian’s mother, Madeleine Dior, owned an extensive catalog of seeds and plants by Vilmorin-Andrieux. It seems this love for gardening was passed down to Christian, as his mother also enjoyed tending to the family garden at their estate in Granville, Normandy.

Flowers later became a source of inspiration for Dior. He once said: «Aside from women, flowers are the most divine creations.»

Parental demands

The future couturier dreamed of studying art and architecture, but his parents had other plans. They wanted their son to become a diplomat, so Christian was forced to study political science. However, he left after three years without completing his education.

After serving in the army, Dior’s parents helped him open an art gallery, but they insisted that the family name «Dior» not be associated with the business, as it was already tied to their fertilizer company, Frères Dior.

When the financial crisis struck, the gallery closed, but Christian began earning a living by creating successful sketches of dresses and suits for the fashion industry.

The Dior fashion house

In 1946, Dior secured financial support and finally opened his own fashion house. However, the brand officially dates its inception to February 1947, when Dior presented his first collection, which journalists dubbed New Look.

With cinched waists, voluminous skirts, embroidery, and lightweight fabrics, Dior’s designs were a fresh breath of luxury and femininity in post-war fashion. Women, long deprived of glamorous styles, quickly embraced his creations, making Dior a global sensation.

Talismans and lucky stars

Christian Dior was deeply superstitious and believed in the power of talismans. He always carried them with him, especially a five-pointed star that he once found near the British Embassy in Paris. That same night, he met French billionaire Marcel Boussac, who supported Dior’s idea of founding his own fashion brand.

Even in this decision, superstition played a role: Dior visited a fortune-teller, who insisted on the name The House of Christian Dior. The designer frequently consulted psychics throughout his life.

Love for English culture

Dior had a unique relationship with Britain, not just as an admirer but as an enthusiastic fan.

«I adore the English, dressed not only in their tweeds, which suit them perfectly, but also in their floating dresses in delicate shades, which they’ve worn so elegantly since the days of Gainsborough,» he once said.

Dior’s first fashion show took place in London’s Savoy Hotel in 1950 and became one of the most successful in his career.

The creation of «Miss Dior»

After establishing his fashion house, Dior decided not to stop at clothing and created his iconic perfume, Miss Dior. This fragrance has charmed generations of women worldwide and continues to do so today.

The name reflects two things dear to the designer: his younger sister, Catherine, to whom the perfume was dedicated, and his love for Britain. Dior deliberately chose «Miss» instead of the French «Mademoiselle» as a nod to English culture.