What Did Chanel Say About Dior?

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel and Christian Dior are two of the most iconic fashion designers of the 20th century. Chanel was known for her timeless designs, while Dior revolutionized fashion with his “New Look” Silhouette. Despite their differences in style, both designers shared a deep passion for their craft and left an indelible mark on the fashion industry.

Chanel and Dior were contemporaries, and as such, they often commented on each other’s work. In one famous quote attributed to Chanel, she said about Dior: “He doesn’t dress women, he upholsters them.” This scathing remark has been widely circulated in fashion circles for decades and is often cited as evidence of Chanel’s disdain for Dior.

But what did Chanel really mean when she made this statement? To understand the context behind her words, we need to look at the historical moment in which they were uttered.

In 1947, Christian Dior unveiled his first collection as a couturier. The collection featured a new Silhouette that emphasized the female form with a nipped-in waist and full skirt. This look was a radical departure from the boxy styles of wartime fashions and was seen as a symbol of hope and optimism for post-war Europe.

Chanel, on the other hand, had been designing clothes since the 1920s and had already established herself as an authority in the industry. Her designs were known for their simplicity and functionality, with clean lines that flattered rather than accentuated the female form.

So when Chanel said that Dior upholstered women rather than dressing them, she was criticizing his use of extravagant fabrics and voluminous skirts that she felt overwhelmed or even suffocated women’s bodies instead of enhancing them. She believed that true style should be effortless and comfortable rather than ornate or showy.

Despite this criticism, Dior’s New Look proved incredibly popular with women around the world. It symbolized a new era of femininity and glamour, and his designs were worn by everyone from Hollywood starlets to European royalty.

Today, both Chanel and Dior are revered as fashion icons, with their legacies continuing to inspire designers around the world. While they may have had their differences, they shared a deep love for fashion and a commitment to creating beautiful clothes that empowered women.

In conclusion, Chanel’s comment about Dior was a reflection of her personal aesthetic rather than a condemnation of his designs. Both designers made significant contributions to the fashion industry and continue to influence the way we think about style today.