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-six 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 :)

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 :
)

Paris-Édimbourg Métiers d'Art 2012/13 CHANEL show

Brad Pitt & Chanel N°5

For the first time in the history of N°5, a man agrees to represent the most feminine of fragrances... Brad Pitt.
With a mini-series of films dedicated to the new advertising campaign, Chanel unveils two pieces of the seemingly endless legacy of the iconic N°5 featuring monologues by the a-list actor evoking passion, elegance, and mystery. 

Andrea d'Avack, president of Chanel Fragrance and Beauty, had told Women's Wear Daily, "To keep a legend fresh, you always have to change its point of view. It is the first time we've had a man speaking about a women's fragrance. We think very much that the perfume is a seduction between a man, a woman and the perfume. No.5 is our leading fragrance, and we are willing to make the investment to keep it on that level."

Happy 129th Birthday, Mademoiselle Chanel!

Poise, elegance, simplicity = Mademoiselle Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel

On August 19, 1883, the world was graced with a woman who would revolutionize fashion with her incomparable elegance, simplistic vision, and endearing perseverance. Her name is Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel. From her humble beginnings as an orphan in Aubazine to her complete domination of the fashion industry, Mademoiselle Chanel was a multifaceted woman of unbelievable triumphs, survival, and success. Chanel is directly responsible as to why people wear comfortable jersey knits, costume jewelry, little black dresses, shoulder-bags, and the timeless Chanel style to this very day. As a devout admirer of both Chanel and her global brand, I'm quite proud and delighted to celebrate this day for such an incredible pioneer I've respected and loved for as long as I can remember. Even though she has come to pass, the Chanel legacy, along with her insatiable appetite for originality & innovation, is one that remains undeniably immortal.

Joyeux anniversaire, Mademoiselle Chanel :)

BOY CHANEL Handbag Campaign

Alice Dellal for BOY CHANEL

Oh Boy! As it is well known that Coco Chanel drew immense inspiration from her personal life for her couture house, chief-designer Karl Lagerfeld continues the legacy by unveiling a new line of handbags devoted to the love of her life. The new line, titled BOY CHANEL, is an irrevocable homage to Mademoiselle's iconic relationship with English captain Arthur "Boy" Capel. With sleek line borders to portray Boy's inimitable masculinity blended with the unmistakable Chanel diamond quilting in its center to convey Mademoiselle's timeless elegance, the new Boy Chanel handbag looks to be a rather flawless symbolic representation of their undying romance.

Coco Chanel & Sir Arthur "Boy" Capel, 1913

LANVIN Autumn/Winter 2012/2013 Full Fashion Show