The House That Dior Built: Christian Dior Through the Years

Posted by: Tegan Silva

April
19
2012

Christian Dior has gone through many changes and a total of five designers and it’s just been announced that Raf Simons will be the new heir to the fashion house. Raf Simons hails from Jil Sander and has many people wondering if his minimalist style will echo Dior’s early years of fashion or will he continue with John Galliano’s dramatic (and sometimes over the top) looks.

For now, all we can do is speculate and dream. To help stir our imaginations, let’s take a look at a visual history of Dior through the years!

Christian Dior (1946-1957)

In 1947, the label’s founder created what was known as the “New Look” when he presented a feminine collection of flowing skirts, tiny waists, and soft shoulders—a very different look compared to the slinky silhouette of the 1930s. The style is so timeless, even Natalie Portman was photographed wearing a Dior red polka dot gown circa 1954 to this year’s Academy Awards.

Yves Saint Laurent (1957-1960)

Before founding his own fashion label, Yves Saint Laurent found himself at age 21 as Dior’s successor and debuted his first collection in the spring of 1958. His most famous creation is his trapeze dress was a big leap from the previous cinched in looks and a perfect segue into the 1960s.

Marc Bohan (1961-1988)

Bohan had a much more conservative aesthetic than Dior or Laurent, but remained in demand among celebrities such as Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Grace of Monaco. Through his long run, Bohan was certainly able to adapt to the many trends through the years.

Gianfranco Ferré (1989-1996)

Ferré, who hails from Italy, was Dior’s first non-French designer and brings a strong Renaissance influence to the label with baroque fabrics and pronounced shapes.

John Galliano (1996-2011)

Dior's last successor, John Galliano, amped up the drama for Dior and became known for his flamboyant haute couture shows that achieved a fine balance of beautiful and whimsical.

What does Raf Simons have in store for Dior? We can only guess, but I'm sure it will do the great fashion house proud!

To learn more about Raf Simons, check out this link or check out his final collection at Jil Sander!

(Photos courtesy of SpencerAlley.blogspot.com and TheFashionSpot.com)

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Looks We ♥: Peplum Dresses

Posted by: Sienna Orlando

October
31
2011

Peplums, flounces or basques, whichever way you call them, we are loving the flattering look of a simple peplum waistline. We give thanks to Christian Dior who added a little slice of fabric to his dresses in the forties and fifties (sparking this modern trend) though Christian himself may have been inspired by the ancient Greek Peplos, a style of dress that draped about the waistline creating the illusion of a separate top and bottom.

Moschino was ahead of the game with their fall 2011 looks, which would all make amazing holiday dresses.

Fresh looks in the fall 2012 shows included this gorgeous pink peplum dress by Jason Wu and a classic white piece by Cushnie et Ochs.

Blake Lively sporting a classic little black peplum dress.

Brighter look by Alexander McQueen and Vera Wang.

Have you had your eye on any peplum dresses?

Stars are out for Paris Fashion Week

Posted by: LuLu*s !

July
13
2010

Celebs are out and about for Fashion Week in Paris! These are a couple of my favorite looks from this week!

Jessica Alba looked beautiful at the Christain Dior show. Her Dior dress was a light, floral that left her looking fresh and glowing. She kept her look clean with minimal hoop earrings, a braided beige belt, and white, peep toe heels.

Now for something completely different....

Taking a break from shooting "Gossip Girl", Leighton Meester showed up to the Chanel show with this striking look. The classic Chanel silhouette was given an extreme makeover comprised of leather trimmed with gold fabric and black beads (not exactly practical during a heat wave). The look is topped off with bulky, black bracelets matching the tasseled statement necklace and open toe ankle boots from Christian Louboutin. It can't be denied that she looks amazing!

Have you been keeping up fashion week? What have been your favorite looks?

Model Off Duty: Frida Gustavsson

Posted by: Cara Fox-Galassi

March
22
2010

Frida Gustavsson closeup photo

I want to introduce you to one of my favorite up-and-coming models: Frida Gustavsson. This 17-year-old, 5’11” Stockholm native is a self-proclaimed geek, but is a natural on both the runway and on film. In January, she walked for Valentino, Armani Privé, Elie Saab, Christian Dior, and Chanel in spring couture shows in Paris.

Frida is not only a force on the runway, but also off. Below are some example of her laid back, but chic, style.

Want to recreate Frida’s free and easy style? Lulus.com can help with these key items:

Images of Frida courtesy of altamira

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Make Up via YouTube

Posted by: Kathleen McHatton

July
24
2009

If having your own personal makeup artist sounds like a far fetched fantasy, then boot up that monitor and tune into YouTube. Now online, you can view demonstrations and product recommendations of real makeup artists, offering up their coveted advice to the wider world through cyberspace.

This post's featured YouTube artist is "Pixiwoo," which is actually a team of two sisters, Samantha Chapman and Nicola Chapman. Both are accomplished makeup artists based in London who've had experience doing makeup for television, fashion shows and music projects. From basics, such as how to apply eyeliner and foundation, to classic beauty icon looks, these girls tell all.

I was hooked on Samantha's (pictured above) tutorials after witnessing her glamorous transformation in her Anna Nicole Smith makeup tutorial. I also loved Nicola's quirky personality and ability to take daring leaps with makeup. To learn more about these talented women, visit their YouTube Channel and start experimenting with makeup yourself.

You can recreate Samantha's Dior 1920's makeup look for a flapper Halloween costume this fall or try Nicola's Audrey Hepburn inspired make up look when you want to get dolled up for a night out on the town. There's no doubt you'll be inspired by the Chapman sisters' work. Check them out today, and get glam!

For more information...

Check out the sisters' online blog to view photo stills and products of the week.
Visit Samantha's website to learn more about her and to view clips of her professional work.
Take a peek at Samantha and Nicola's Fashion Face TV page.