Happy Birthday, Christian Dior!

“I create so that each and every woman is the most beautiful“. - Christian Dior

His name is synonymous with elegance, quality, glamour, and perfection. Today marks the 108th birthday of the revolutionizing master of couture himself, Monsieur Christian Dior. From his overnight sensation of a debut in 1947 to his subsequent passion and endeavors in haute couture extravagance, the world has been dressed impeccably by this humble man who would dominate the world and restore Paris as the pinnacle of high fashion.

Joyeux anniversaire, Monsieur Dior :
)

Happy Birthday, Christian Dior

“I create so that each and every woman is the most beautiful“. - Christian Dior

His name is synonymous with elegance, quality, and perfection. Today marks the 107th birthday of the revolutionizing master of couture himself, Monsieur Christian Dior. From his overnight sensation of a debut in 1947 to his subsequent passion and endeavors in haute couture extravagance, the world has been dressed impeccably by this humble man who would dominate the world and restore Paris as the pinnacle of high fashion.

Joyeux anniversaire, Monsieur Dior :)

Inspiration Dior Exhibition

The "Inspiration Dior Exhibition" has launched at the Pushkin Museum in Moscow to record crowds and rave reviews. Featuring over sixty-four years of extravagant history and haute couture heritage since 1947, the exhibit fully chronicles the inspiration behind Monsieur Christian Dior's gowns to the remarkable designers that have succeeded him in a myriad of fashion displays. Venturing through the exhibit, which begins with none other than Monsieur Dior's revolutionary New Look, one will experience a unified vision of the most remarkable fashion house the world has ever seen. Long live Dior.

Note: I pray this exhibit is brought to New York.

February 12, 1947 - Dior's New Look is Born

"In 1947, my first collection was successful beyond my wildest dreams." - Christian Dior

On February 12, 1947, precisely sixty-four years ago today, a humble man by the name of Christian Dior catapulted to international stardom with the launch of his debut haute couture collection. Immediately upon its reveal at Dior's studio, originally titled "Corolle", fashion critic and Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow exclaimed, "It's quite a revelation, dear Christian. Your dresses have such a new look!". Unbeknownst to her that moment, from merely uttering a sentence of gracious praise, Ms. Snow was to coin perhaps the most iconic debut collection of all time.

The Tailleur Bar ensemble & its respective sketch by Dior

In a firm response to the imposed fabric restrictions during World War II, Dior would zealously craft his revolutionary designs utilizing countless yards of extravagant materials. Inspired by his nostalgic emotions towards the Belle Époque fashions of the late 1800's to the first World War, Christian Dior's designs restored ultra femininity to both the fashion industry and women worldwide. Featuring a cinched waist, accentuated bust, and full-length pleated skirt, Dior's opulent New Look introduced his legendary "Tailleur Bar" ensemble (or simply the "Bar Suit"). With a dominance of boxy shapes popularized by houses such as Chanel and Lanvin in the 20's and 30's, Christian Dior's New Look would soon take the world by storm and begin the history of contemporary fashion.

On this day in 1947, Monsieur Christian Dior introduced an ultra-feminine silhouette which would ignite a global fashion revolution, restore Paris as the pinnacle of haute couture, and launch the legendary empire of Dior.

Joyeux Anniversaire, New Look :)

Designer Profile: Christian Dior

"It's quite a revelation dear Christian. Your dresses have such a new look!" - Carmel Snow 1947

In all referenced works, it is said that the history of contemporary fashion began in 1947 with Christian Dior's "New Look"

Born: January 21, 1905

Birthplace: Granville, Manche, Basse-Normandie, France

Nationality: French

House Inception: December 1946

Debut Haute Couture Collection: February 1947 (Corolle/Figure 8)

Title: Grand couturier (member of the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture)

Labels: Christian Dior, Christian Dior Couture, Dior Homme, Parfums Christian Dior, Dior Joaillerie, Baby Dior.

Education: Initially studied political science prior to design at the request of his parents.

Inspirations: Perpetually stated inspirations for his designs were rooted in the beauty of the female form (Dior once said, "I have designed flower women"). In his autobiography, Dior revealed he would venture to the French countryside to draw inspiration for upcoming collections.

Classifications: Haute couture, prêt-à-porter (ready-to-wear), menswear, accessories, fine jewelry and timepieces, beauty & fragrance, infant wear.

Clients: Princess Margaret, Rita Hayworth, Ava Gardner, Marlene Dietrich, Wallis the Duchess of Windsor.

Diorable Facts: Monsieur Dior was highly superstitious and would frequent fortune tellers to seek guidance regarding his life. At one visit whilst he was only 14, a young Christian Dior was told, "...women are lucky for you and through them you will achieve great success."

In 1957, Dior was the first designer to grace the cover of Time Magazine.

In 1947, Harper's Bazaar editor-in-chief Carmel Snow is credited with coining the term, "The New Look". Upon viewing Dior's debut collection, she exclaimed to the designer, "It's quite a revelation dear Christian. Your dresses have such a new look!"

Here is a remarkable 6 minute documentary chronicling the early days of Christian Dior to the house's modern collections designed by John Galliano.

Priceless video from 1947 (Running over just one minute)

“At the risk of being thought soulless, I must admit that clothes are my whole life. Ultimately, everything I know, see, or hear, every part of my life, turns around the clothes which I create. They haunt me perpetually, until they are ready to pass from the world of my dreams into the world of practical utility.” - Monsieur Christian Dior

Whimsically Wondrous Windows

Dior, 57th Street, New York

In the short span of a few hours, one can manage to time travel back to the glamorous 30's and 40's, brave pirate ships & sea monsters, lounge at a glitzy gala, and finally return home to famously dine with the ladies all the while dressed in your best. At least that's how this gentleman has spent his Friday afternoon. Fresh and vibrant to embrace the holiday spirit, instantaneously I knew my day would be sorted with a luxurious stroll along New York's 5th avenue to complete some holiday shopping. From beginning my journey with my two favorite Christians (Dior and Lacroix) to ending at Saks, window shopping evoked a rather surreal, yet satisfying adventure only words can describe. As such, a photographic record of my quest shall reasonably suffice.

Where did Angelo decide to shop... for himself that is? I say take the journey to find out :)

Dior, 57th Street

A deliciously French Lady Dior continues to illuminate New York

Unquestionable homage to the era-defining "New Look".

Christian Lacroix, 57th Street

(One of my favorite haute couture designers)

A blurry Diorable colorfully & properly attired at Lacroix (Apologies for the fuzzy shot but the boutique is fairly dim-lit)

If you've read my Century 21 entry from last night, you'll notice I'm wearing the Valentino scarf and SAND tie as promised with some Dior, Prada, & Lanvin thrown in for good measure :)

Chanel, 57th Street

Snow queens.

Miu Miu, 57th Street

Prada, 5th Avenue (I love you, Miuccia)

Henri Bendel, 5th Avenue (These gowns were incredible to view)

Zara, 5th Avenue

Fendi, 5th Avenue (One of the day's favorites)

Effortlessly fierce mannequin working the camera.

Bottega Veneta, 5th Avenue

Lovely Athenian-inspired dress

Beautiful blazer

Saks Fifth Avenue, 5th Avenue

My favorite Saks mannequin

Child: "Madame, help me, I'm floating away!"

Madame: "Darling, but I'm wearing couture. Perhaps next time."

1930's Hollywood glam

Daffy's, Madison Avenue (This was interesting)

So which locations saw Angelo treating himself to some diorable holiday goods?

Answer: But, of course Christian Dior & Christian Lacroix :)

If you live in, or near, New York, please take full advantage of the endless beauty and brilliance our shop windows have to offer. As you've witnessed, they can be quite the spectacle.

Lady Dior arrives in Manhattan to mark Dior's 57th Street flagship reopening.

Last week saw Dior's triumphant return to New York's luxe 57th Street with its flagship boutique reopening on December 11, 2010 . For a seemingly endless five months, the iconic label's shop entrance and facade was masked with none other than a massive and fabulous Lady Dior handbag which was a lovely sight to say the least.

Last week, the bag was finally lifted and Dior's new boutique was celebrated and received with complete adoration and splendor. Personally, being a true and genuine fashion lover, I've been highly anticipating the reopening and made it an unequivocal priority to visit the location on its relaunch. The result: I couldn't have smiled more in my entire life. The boutique has been stunningly remodeled with a complete makeover in the spirit of the iconic Dior flagship on Avenue Montaigne in Paris (which was also previously remodeled in 2007). The building's facade displayed a glamorous light-installation of one of Monsieur Christian Dior's iconic sketches of his revolutionizing 1947 Bar suit ensemble from his critically acclaimed debut collection, Corolle (More famously known as "The New Look"). I've dubbed this character, Lady Dior. She gracefully arrives in New York being effortlessly glamorous, elegant and timeless. I stood across this beautiful image for what seemed as an eternity all the while found to be in complete awe while smiling endlessly. The ability to witness a wonderfully historic image massively displayed in lights was a priceless moment indeed. The front of the boutique sparkles as though the entire facade is covered in diamonds which brightly illuminates the immaculately merchandised window displays.

Upon venturing inside, the boutique's remodeling is sleek, sophisticated, and oozes with elegance and style. My favorite touch was the usage of vintage soft-gray Dior workshop chairs which are strategically placed around the boutique. In fact, I wouldn't mind having one of those marvelous chairs for myself! While climbing the grand staircase, which leads me to the couture, shoe, and subsequent VIP areas, the walls are vibrant with colorful images of all things French (Paris, Dior, and couture). Upon reaching the top of the marble staircase, there are limited edition New York exclusive pieces, designed by Dior's chief designer, John Galliano, displayed in glass casings spread about titled, "Edition Limitée New York" (a mere handful of which are classic Lady Dior handbags encrusted with 628 diamonds cut with 57 facets to reflect the 57th Street location.) Also included are remarkable shoe designs which Galliano has signed on the inside himself.

After carefully and meticulously viewing each and every dress, blouse, jacket, gown, shoe, blazer, hat, and skirt the second floor had to offer, I found myself chatting famously with a rather sweet Dior representative by the name of Geny (pronounced "Jenny"). From Monsieur Dior's early stages to Galliano's ingenious designs, we discussed the boutique with a clear mutual respect for all things Christian Dior.

"At the risk of being thought soulless, I must admit that clothes are my whole life. Ultimately, everything I know, see, or hear, every part of my life, turns around the clothes which I create. They haunt me perpetually until they are ready to pass from the world of my dreams to into the world of practical utility." - Christian Dior (1954)

Note: All photos shared were taken by yours truly :)

Be genuine, be elegant, be fashionable, be timeless, be Diorable.

Greetings ladies and gentlemen and welcome to Diorable Style.

Firstly, thank you for merely taking the time to click and enter my very first blog. I greatly and graciously appreciate it as I hope you return on a rather frequent basis to stay abreast with what I will offer you. Concisely and simply put, the following topics will be of main focus and conveyed to my precious readers:

1. Fashion

Largely implied by the title, Diorable Style, indeed this blog's main focal point will be that of the historic, ever-changing, awe-inspiring world that is fashion. Since childhood, through my marvelous grandmother who designed and created incredible clothing to my own affinity for the master himself, Monsieur Christian Dior, I've thoroughly respected and cherished fashion as a whole. Thanks to my lifelong adoration for this industry and subsequent thorough studies on the subject, I will be offering readers, males and females alike, trend/color/style updates, runway reports, styling tips and advice for good dressing, as well as shopping location suggestions. Beauty and grooming also make up the fashion industry and a properly executed well-rounded look, so expect to read posts on said topics as well.

I will also update with my own daily adventures with fashion (Whether it be my outfit of choice for the day to my endless photographing of street fashions and boutique/department store windows). This blog will have absolutely no individuality without the author's own journeys on the subject matter for which I hope you will find to be enjoyable and inspiring for your very own expeditions in fashion.

Those dear to me know full well of my pure affinity for the aforementioned Christian Dior (Yes, you've guessed correctly that the blog title is a complete homage to the iconic pioneer himself and the photo displayed above is of his iconic 1947 Bar suit sketch from his critically acclaimed debut collection, Corolle). Dior crafted an inimitable fashion empire, my personal favorite, one of which that continues to excel with class, style, and undeniable modernity. I will regularly quote Monsieur Dior and use his words as honorable references throughout the vitality of this blog.

2. Music

Ahhh, the wonderful world of song that undeniably, and literally, moves and shakes us to the core. Music is inspired by fashion and fashion by music, so why not collectively report on both lovely industries? As stated earlier, primarily I will be focusing on fashion, but music will be reported on as well to keep everyone informed on talented singers/groups and subsequent songs and album releases.

3. Healthy living

As my lovely parents raised me on natural/organic foods with a thorough emphasis on physical activity, I'm an avid promoter of healthy lifestyles. Often enough, I will offer personal advice on proper dieting and exercise. God, science (or what ever you believe) gifted us with one precious vessel to journey around life in, so please be mindful and take great care of this invaluable body. More importantly, how can one have Diorable Style without taking care of their priceless form? :)

Other topics may pop up from time to time, but the aforementioned three will be discussed more so than others. Once again, fashion will be the vitality of this blog.

In closing my first post, I hope you enjoy this journey with me and choose to use my words, opinions, and advice to your advantage.

Grab a nice mug of tea, relax, sit back, and welcome to Diorable Style :)

"Be marvelous, be elegant, be fashionable, be timeless, be Diorable."

Sincerely,

- Angelo (a.k.a. Diorable)