Born in Normandy, France in 1905, Christian Dior fulfilled his love for art by opening an art gallery. In 1938, he entered the fashion world as a designer for Robert Piquet. After serving in World War II, Dior returned to Paris and had a very successful period of collaboration with Pierre Balmain at Lucien Lelong.

Dior opened his own fashion house in 1946. His lavish designs brought him success in the post-war era and he expanded his business to include perfumes, furs and accessories.

Dior died in 1957 and Yves Saint Laurent took over as head designer. Other well-known designers working at the Dior fashion house include Marc Bohan, Gianfranco Ferré, and John Galliano.