CHRISTIAN Dior made his name as an haute couture designer with the unveiling of his New Look fashions, directly after World War II.

He revelled in the luxury of being able to use as much fabric as he wanted, now that it was no longer rationed.

His New Look silhouette was ultra-feminine, with a cinched waist, exaggerated bosom, and full, ballerina length skirt.

It was embraced by women eager for luxury and change after the lean war years.

Born in 1905, the young Dior had always been artistic and initially opened an art gallery which showed the work of Pablo Picasso, among others.

When that closed, he went to work and learn under the designer Robert Piguet.

He left fashion to join the army and then worked with Lucien Lelong until founding his haute couture empire in 1946.

His first perfume, ‘Miss Dior’, was launched in 1947 and named for his sister, Catherine.

These days, the Dior empire produces fragrances, sunglasses, scarves, accessories, watches, jewellery, make up, skin care, footwear and ready to wear clothes alongside the Dior haute couture line.

After Dior died in 1957, his place as artistic director was taken by Yves St Laurent, who had worked directly with Dior until his death.

At only 21, his first collection for the company was a huge success, employing the same meticulous tailoring, luxury fabrics and recognisable shapes as before, but with a new, younger and lighter touch.

The clothes were easier to wear than before and the popularity of Dior as a company rose even more.

When St Laurent was called to join the army in 1960, he was replaced by Marc Bohan, whose designs were more conservative and popular with film stars such as Elizabeth Taylor.

Gianfranco Ferré followed Bohan in 1989, to be replaced by John Galliano in 1997. Although his tailoring was meticulous, Galliano’s unconventional streak was controversial, with his Homeless Show featuring models dressed in newspapers and paper bags and the ‘S&M Show’ raising a few eyebrows.

You can shop for vintage clothes including vintage Dior clothing 24/7 at www.myvintage.co.uk or visit our vintage clothing boutique in Darwen, Lancashire.