CHRISTIAN DIOR

 

CHRISTIAN DIOR was born in Granville, France, 21 January 1905. Dior Studied political science at École des Sciences Politiques, Paris, 1920-25.Dior’s  early career started as an Art dealer, 1928-31; freelance designer and sketch artist, 1934-37; assistant designer, Piguet, 1937-39; lived in Provence, 1940-42; designer, Lelong, 1941-46.In 1946, when World War II cloth rationing was lifted, Dior opened his own salon.

Photo by Adriana Sassoon

In the spring of 1947 the success of his first collection, called the “New Look,” propelled him to the top of the French fashion industry. His idealized, ultrafeminine featured tiny waists; long, full skirts; padded busts; and rounded shoulders.

The New Look changed the shape of women’s clothing and lifted the French fashion industry out of the. For this feat a grateful French government awarded him the Legion of Honor.

Widely known for his ‘New Look’- This romantic, highly feminized style was characterized by a thin waist and long, full skirts and narrow bodice, as a result attracting censure in some quarters on account of its implicit undermining of the new freedoms enjoyed by women in the war years.There were many criticisms of the New Look; feminists have argued it was an attempt to return women to an oppressed, decorative role with its emphasis on the restrictive padding.

Photo by Adriana Sassoon

Although Christian Dior died in 1957, he is perhaps one of the most famous fashion designers of both the 20th and 21st centuries.By the time Dior died his name had become synonymous with taste and luxury. The business had an estimated turnover of $20-million annually.

Photo by Adriana Sassoon

Dior organized licence agreements to manufacture accessories internationally, and at the time of his death,furs, scarves, corsetry, lingerie, costume jewelry, and shoes were being produced.After years of struggle, the Dior reclaimed its licenses and rebuilt an empire in the capable hands of Bernard Arnault who bought the firm in 1984 from its owner, Agache-Willot.

* My last visit to FIDM.I remembered when I used to go to school, between classes I used to look at Dior’s work and admire his talent. So, I spotted these timeless pieces with my iphone.

DIDIER GOMEZ

 Didier Gomez began his career as an opera singer before branching out into the world of interior and product design in 1985 with his association with the architect JJ Ory. His expertise is highly acclaimed. Winner of numerous design awards, he has designed boutiques, large stores, restaurants, apartments, houses and head offices all over the world.

The quality of his work speaks for itself, with clients including Yves Saint-Laurent, Pierre Bergé, Carrousel du Louvre, LVMH, Bernard Arnault, Céline, Louis Vuitton, Galeries Lafayette, Vivendi Universal, Kenzo, Christian Dior, Pomelato, De Beers and L’Oréal.

DIDIER GOMEZ 

Began working with Ligne Roset some fifteen years ago. Both he and Michel Roset have since forged an enduring partnership based on a creative synergy. The number of creations for Ligne Roset seems countless, but numbering among the most successful are his upholstery collections. Feng, Opium and Fugue have become symbols of his sleek, contemporary take on classic urban style. Rue de Seine looks set to follow. Didier Gomez and Ligne Roset were awarded the ‘Nombre d’or’ by the Salon du Meuble de Paris, in recognition of their exemplary collaboration.

Ligne Roset, France’s premier modern furniture manufacturer will open its first ever boutique concept store worldwide in Austin, Texas to be located in the 2nd Street District, reflecting the “cool, urban energy of the trendy downtown locale“. The Ligne Roset Boutique will offer a collection based on their best-selling products and select design-forward pieces that are an iconic part of the brand. These smaller-scale selections created by some of the brand’s most sought after designers will offer consumers instant gratification that will surpass the delivery process. As many of you may know from our reviews on the outstanding designer furniture of Ligne Roset, many well known names in the business like Pierre Paulin, Pascal Mourgue, Didier Gomez, Peter Maly, Michel Ducaroy, Ronan & Erwan, and Bouroullec have contributed to the stunning collection of furniture and accessories geared toward the modern lifestyle. See the Ligne Roset Boutique collection here. 

www.didiergomez.com

 

* Before I started my studies in Interior Design at FIDM( Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandizing). I worked as a  Docent for the French Trade Commissioner at The PDC( Pacific Design Center), hosting Didier Gomez exhibit.It was one of my inspirations.