When Christian Dior launched his couture house, in 1946, he wanted nothing less than to make “an elegant woman more beautiful and a beautiful woman more elegant.” He succeeded, and in doing so the visionary designer altered the landscape of 20th century fashion. Vintage Dior bags, shoes, evening dresses, shirts and other garments and accessories are known today for their feminine and sophisticated sensibility.
Dior was born in Granville, on the Normandy coast, in 1905. His prosperous haute bourgeois parents wanted him to become a diplomat despite his interest in art and architecture. However, they agreed to bankroll an art gallery, which Dior opened in 1928 in Paris with a friend.
This was the start of Dior’s rise in the city’s creative milieu, where he befriended Pablo Picasso and Jean Cocteau. After seven years as an art dealer, Dior retrained as a fashion illustrator, eventually landing a job as a fashion designer for Robert Piguet, and in 1941, following a year of military service, he joined the house of Lucien Lelong. Just five years later, with the backing of industrialist Marcel Boussac, the ascendant Dior established his own fashion house, at 30 avenue Montaigne in Paris.
Just two years after the end of World War II, the fashion crowd and the moribund haute couture industry were yearning, comme tout Paris, for security and prosperity, desperate to discard the drab, sexless, utilitarian garb imposed by wartime deprivation. They needed to dream anew.
And Dior delivered: He designed a collection for a bright, optimistic future. “It’s quite a revolution, dear Christian!” exclaimed Carmel Snow, the prescient American editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar, famously proclaiming, “Your dresses have such a new look.” The press ran with the description, christening Dior’s debut Spring/Summer haute couture collection the New Look. “God help those who bought before they saw Dior,” said Snow. “This changes everything.”
Dior’s collection definitively declared that opulence, luxury and femininity were in. His skirts could have 40-meter-circumference hems, and outfits could weigh up to 60 pounds. They were cut and shaped like architecture, on strong foundations that molded women and “freed them from nature,” Dior said. Rather than rationing, his ladies wanted reams of fabric and 19-inch waists enforced by wire corsets, and the fashion world concurred. The debut got a standing ovation.
In the subsequent decade, Paris ruled as the undisputed fashion capital of the world, and Christian Dior reigned as its king. With the luxuriously full skirts of his New Look, suits and his drop-dead gorgeous couture dresses and ball gowns worthy of any princess, Dior gave women the gift of glamour they’d lost in the miserable years of war.
On 1stDibs, find an exquisite range of vintage Christian Dior clothing, jewelry, handbags and other items.
Christian Dior Vintage, Two-Tone Bracelet Watch, c. 1990s
By Christian Dior
Located in Portland, England
An elegant vintage Christian Dior ladies wristwatch, dating to the 1990s. The watch features a rectangular gold-tone case with a minimalist light dial, signed Christian Dior Paris, f...
Christian Dior by Bulova 14K Gold Plated Watch, Green Dial, 1970s
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
14K gold plated Dior by Bulova wrist wind up watch, fully working, green and white face, original black leather strap Condition: Early 1970s, gold metal...
14k Gold, Gold Plate, Gold
Christian Dior Montre Malice Circa 2005 Malice CD Full Steel Quartz wrist Watch
By Christian Dior
Located in PARIS, FR
Christian Dior Malice watch (circa 2005), steel case, quartz movement, mother-of-pearl dial, stick indexes, steel CD bracelet. Diameter 1.95 cm excluding c...
Steel
Dior LA D DE DIOR CD040150M005 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ladies Watch
By Christian Dior
Located in Guangzhou, CN
19‑mm case. Comes with warranty card, invoice and original box. Original retail price RMB 291,000. Gold weight 66.84 g in impeccable condition. Set with 0.47‑carat premium‑quality b...
Dior 64151 Gold Navy Blue Octagon Womens Watch
By Christian Dior
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand : Christian Dior Model: 64151 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Case Material: Gold Plated Stainless Steel Measurements :25mm diameter (excluding crown ...
Gold Plate
Christian Dior Home Paris Chiffre Rouge Watch
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior Home Paris Chiffre Rouge 38mm Fully Serviced and in Full Working Condition with Diamonds set bezel 0.20ct F colour/ VS Purity. Additional Information: Total Weight: ...
Stainless Steel
Dior VIII Ceramic Automatic Watch with Diamonds
By Christian Dior
Located in Lucerne, CH
Experience the Dior VIII Automatic Ceramic Watch, a tribute to Dior's heritage and the elegance of Paris's 8th arrondissement. Introduced to celebrate the brand's timeless sophisti...
Diamond, Other
$4,950Sale Price|44% Off
Christian Dior VIII Montaigne Steel Diamond Pink Dial Ladies Watch CD152510M002
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Store display model. Micro scratches on the bracelet due to store handling. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Authenticity Card....
Steel
Christian Dior Paris, France. Ladies' wristwatch in stainless steel. 1980s.
By Christian Dior
Located in bronshoj, DK
Christian Dior Paris, France. Ladies' wristwatch in stainless steel. 1980s. Serial number: EB0186. Quartz movement. In very good condition, minimal wear. The battery needs to be rep...
Stainless Steel
Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamond
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamond dot hour markers. Stainless steel case and strap with deployment buckle closure. Size - 23mm Condit...
Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
DIOR 66.84g 18K Yellow Gold 0.47ct Brilliant-cut Diamonds Watch CD040150M005
By Christian Dior
Located in Guangzhou, CN
This model is a luxurious, petite version of the classic La D de Dior, designed to feel like a "satin ribbon" on the wrist. Key Specifications Case Size: 19 mm diameter. Material: C...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$12,300Sale Price|40% Off
Dior Christal Steel Ceramic Diamond Black Dial Automatic Watch CD113513M001
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The watch is in excellent condition. The original box and paper are not included. Comes with a Chronostore box MSRP: $20500 * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warran...
Steel
$10,955Sale Price|65% Off
Christian Dior VIII Grand Bal Ceramic Diamond Black Dial Watch CD124BE3C001
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Store Display model. Scratches on the serial number on the case back due to storing. No original box and paper. Comes with a Chronostore box and an authenticity card. Covered by a 2-...
Christian Dior VIII Hi Tech Ceramic MOP Dial Quartz Ladies Watch CD1221E4C001
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. The case back has micro scratches. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verify the watch's au...
Christian Dior VIII Montaigne Steel Diamond MOP Dial Ladies CD1521I0M001
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Excellent condition. Minor scratches on the bracelet. The original box and paper are not included. Brand: Dior Type: Wristwatch Department: Women Model Number: CD1521I0M001 Cou...
Steel
18k Chopard LUC Ladies Manual watch. Vintage Chopard 18k Yellow gold Watch.
By Chopard
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
This is a rare piece that does not come up for sale often. In fact, you will probably not see one like this for sale. Elegant and minimalistic wristwatch and bracelet. 18k Gold panther bracelet with a manual watch hidden under a golden flap. LUC Chopard...
Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1980's Two Tone Rolex Datejust 36mm Jubilee Bracelet Watch Ref. 16013
By Rolex
Located in Montclair, NJ
Watchmaker: Rolex Movement: Swiss Made - Automatic - Self Winding Case, Bezel & Bracelet Material: Stainless Steel & 18k Gold Weight: 95.6 Grams Width: 36mm (not including th...
18k Gold, Stainless Steel
Vintage Cartier Paris Manual Wind Dial 18k Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Cartier Paris 18k gold ladies watch with a Roman numeral dial and the classic Cartier style blue sword-shaped hour markers. Manual wind movement with a screw-down crown and s...
Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Cartier Santos Octagon 2966 White Roman Dial Watch in Steel & 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Here's a vintage Cartier Santos Octagon reference 2966 automatic two tone with a white Roman numeral dial on a steel and gold bracelet from the 1980s. Keeps great time and is fully functional. Measurements include a 30mm case. It's on a Cartier bracelet that fits up to a 7 inch wrist. Clean white dial with blued hands, date window at 3 o’clock, and screw-down octagonal bezel. Steel and 18k yellow gold case and caseback. Comes with box and papers. All parts are original including the signed Cartier crown...
Yellow Gold, Steel, 18k Gold
Celine Paris Gold Watch New in box Circle Face Wrist watch
By Celine
Located in Wallkill, NY
Lovey Gold tone Celine Wrist Watch. In original box 1 inch diameter Face .50 in. wide band. In box, never worn. This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, Southwest...
Base Metal
Van Cleef and Arpels 18901 watch. 18k Gold VCA La Classique Ladies Watch.
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine Van Cleef & Arpels Watch Classic or Classique Ladies ref. 18901 18k Yellow Gold Case. Condition: Shows little to no wear. Comes with genuine leather band. New battery inst...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Piaget Lapis Diamond 9701 24mm 18K Yellow Gold Watch
By Piaget
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage Piaget ladies' watch is crafted in 18K yellow gold with an integrated bark-finish bracelet. The round case features a deep blue lapis lazuli dial set with diamond hour m...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panthere 8669 Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ladies Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The Cartier Panthere 8669 Ladies Watch is a stunning piece that embodies luxury and sophistication. Its 22mm case, crafted from 18K yellow gold, is adorned with factory-set diamonds,...
18k Gold
Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamond
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamond dot hour markers. Stainless steel case and strap with deployment buckle closure. Size - 23mm Condit...
Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
Dior VIII Ceramic Automatic Watch with Diamonds
By Christian Dior
Located in Lucerne, CH
Experience the Dior VIII Automatic Ceramic Watch, a tribute to Dior's heritage and the elegance of Paris's 8th arrondissement. Introduced to celebrate the brand's timeless sophisti...
Diamond, Other
Cartier Riviera Paris Vintage Yellow Gold Ladies Mechanical Wrist Watch
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1970s Cartier Riviera Paris Wrist Watch, 23 M.M. 18k Yellow Gold 2 Piece case, Sapphire crown, 17 Jewel Mechanical, Manual wind movement, White dial with Black Roman numerals. ...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chopard Kutchinsky Women's Bracelet Watch in 18 Karat Gold Diamonds
By Chopard
Located in Paris, FR
CHOPARD Woman's bracelet watch in 18 Kt yellow Gold and diamonds from the house of KUTCHINSKY. Diamonds total weight: 1.60 carats Vintage watch from the 1960s Length: 16.5 cm Width: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Christian Dior Bagheera gold plated
By Christian Dior
Located in PARIS, FR
Timeless elegance defines this exquisite Christian Dior Bagheera watch, reference D69-150. Featuring a 32mm gold-plated case, it offers a subtle yet radiant presence on the wrist, pe...
CHRISTIAN DIOR D81-100 Chronograph Stainless-steel Watch
By Christian Dior
Located in Toronto, CA
Brand: CHRISTIAN DIOR Model: D81-100 Country Of Manufacture: Switzerland Movement: Quartz Case Material: Stainless steel Measurements : Case width: 32x33mm. (without crown) Ban...
Stainless Steel
1980s Dior Bulova Western Silver Ban Mechanical Wristwatch
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
1980s Dior for Bulova Mechanical Wristwatch. This timepiece, featuring a stainless flexible western style strap and a rectangular white dial with elegant Roman numerals, is a true w...
Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial & Mother Of Pearl Baby D Watch
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior Diamond Dot Dial & Mother Of Pearl Baby D Watch Mother of pearl dial with diamond dot hour markers. Stainless steel case and strap with deployment buckle closure, qu...
Diamond, Pearl
Sold
H 1.5 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.5 in
Dior VIII White Ceramic Steel Diamond Silver Dial Automatic Watch CD1245E3C002
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Pre-owned. The band has a chipped link by '12' o'clock lugs. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Authenticity Card. Covered by 1-year Chronostore Warranty. General Inform...
Dior Christal Stainless Steel Diamond White Dial Quartz Watch CD114311M001
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Display Model. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Authenticity Card. Covered by 1-year Chronostore Warranty. Details: MSRP 4800...
Stainless Steel
Sold
H 1.3 in W 0.4 in Dm 1.3 in
Christian Dior VIII 33mm Ceramic Diamond MOP Dial Ladies Watch CD1231E4C001
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. This watch was never worn. No original box and papers. Comes with a Chronostore box and authenticity card. Sub-Category Details: Brand: Dior Model: Dior VIII Model Number: C...
Sold
H 1.5 in W 0.44 in Dm 1.5 in
Christian Dior Christal Steel Blue MOP Diamond Dial Automatic Watch CD144517M001
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. The original box and papers are not included. Comes with a gift box and a seller's warranty card. * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day retur...
Steel
Christian Dior VIII 33mm Ceramic Diamond Black Dial Ladies Watch CD1231E1C001
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. No original box and paper. Comes with Chronostore box * Free Shipping within the USA * Two-year warranty coverage * 14-day return policy with a full refund. Buyers can verif...
Christian Dior Mother Of Pearl & Diamonds Watch
By Christian Dior
Located in London, GB
Christian Dior Mother Of Pearl & Diamonds Watch From the Chris collection and crafted in stainless steel set with diamond encrusted bezel and mot...
Diamond, Pearl, Stainless Steel
Christian Dior VIII Montaigne Steel Diamond Pink Dial Ladies Watch CD152510M002
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Unworn. No Original Box and Papers are Included. Comes with a Chronostore Presentation Box and Authenticity Card. Sub-Category Details: Brand: Dior Model: Dior VIII Montaigne Model...
Steel
Dior Viii Grand Bal Black Ceramic and Diamonds
By Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
The Dior VIII Grand Bal collection is a dazzling testament to Dior's unparalleled craftsmanship and creativity in the world of haute couture and luxury watchmaking. These exquisite t...
Diamond, Other