Late but Haute

In 1905 Normandy, a baby was born to a local fertilizer manufacturer. Although the family had hoped the child would become a diplomat, he had his own ambitions: to become an artist. Selling his sketches on the street and eventually taking over a friend's small art gallery, he seemed well on his way to achieving his goals. However, he was called for military service, forcing him to leave his job and put his big dreams on hold. It wasn't until 1947, at the age of 40, that he debuted his first fashion collection, and the luxury name Christian Dior was born. 

Dior’s journey from the streets of Normandy to one of the largest luxury fashion houses was filled with obstacles, but his passion always remained the most important. His first collection, “The New Look”, featured a calf-length, full skirt, a cinched waist, and a fuller bust–revolutionary elements in the era of post-war fashion. This bold debut captivated the world and reshaped the perception of feminism in fashion. Dior’s daring vision marked his grand entrance into the fashion industry, establishing a brand defined by innovation and purpose— a legacy that would evolve into an empire worth $11.9 billion dollars. 

Starting his brand later in life allowed Dior to refine his skills, thoughtfully curate his collection, and gain a unique perspective on the industry. The years before his first collection didn't hinder his success; rather, they may have enhanced his abilities as a designer. By 1953, just six years after launching “The New Look”, Dior’s brand was grossing $15 million annually. The time he spent maturing as a designer and perfecting his craft allowed him to create pieces that gained traction, held meaning, and distinguished his brand from others in the competitive fashion world. 

Dior’s path to establishing his eponymous brand required hard work and tons of perseverance. However, Dior would not be the fashion house it is today with its mission and the dedication of the mind behind it. Today, his story stands as an inspiration for aspiring fashion students, designers and creators, proving that it’s never too late to pursue a career in your desired field, especially in fashion.

Many students may feel discouraged when attending universities that do not offer direct teachings on certain topics, such as fashion, like the University of Michigan. With no dedicated fashion major and highly competitive clubs, some believe this limits their chances of breaking into the industry. However, these constraints do not define one’s future. Dior’s journey shows there is no ‘right’ age to begin a fashion career, and there is still plenty of time to achieve major success.

The fashion world is constantly evolving and expanding, filled with opportunities for fresh voices and ideas. Just as Dior, Coco Chanel, Vivienne Westwood, and Giorgio Armani entered the industry late, and still went on to build renowned brands that many know and love. Fashion has no boundaries; with passion and drive, success is within reach whenever. The next Christian Dior might be sitting next to you in accounting class–or it might be you!