Christian Dior is a name that could arguably fall under the dictionary definition of 'fashion' itself. We present seven little-known facts about his legacy.

Christian Dior

In 1928, Christian Dior decided to open art gallery on the right bank of Paris

'new look'

The Bar Jacket

Before his career in fashion, Dior expressed a desire to become an architect but ultimately enrolled at the École des Sciences Politiques. Political studies were not very thrilling to him, so, in 1928, he decided to open art gallery on the right bank of Paris. He exhibited works of famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marcel Duchamp, Man Ray, Joan Miro, and others.

Christian Dior showed his debut collection in 1947. The collection included 90 styles and was named 'new look' by the editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, Carmel Snow. It was such a transition to nipped waists and striking feminine silhouettes after the post-war world of uniforms.

The Bar Jacket was one of Christian Dior's most famous pieces from the original New Look collection. Following the curves of the bust and nipped in at the waist, it was designed to give more form to the female shape.

Christian Dior named his debut fragrance Miss Dior after his younger sister Catherine.

Christian Dior's Autumn/Winter 2012 Couture show

Christian Dior named his debut fragrance Miss Dior after his younger sister Catherine. The perfume was inspired by the siblings' memories of their flower garden in Grasse; its notes are mainly floral, with Grasse rose, jasmine grandiflorum, and patchouli. Launched in 1947, this perfume became one of the most famous fragrances in the beauty industry.

Flowers and gardens were a constant source of inspiration to Christian Dior and have been used in almost every collection of the brand. Raf Simons, the creative director from 2012 to 2015, paid particular attention to floral motifs and used them in flamboyant set designs.

The Lady Dior bag is one of the most famous designs by Dior. It made its debut in 1995 and was initially called "Chouchou." It became known as the Lady Dior as a tribute to Princess Diana, who was rarely seen without this bag. It features dangling gold letters as a nod to Christian Dior's love of lucky charms.