If there’s a fashion house that makes me believe that a new aesthetic can change the world, it’s Dior. Back in 1947, a young designer named Christian Dior debuted his first collection in Paris that featured – no, starred – a long peplum skirt made of 20 yards of fabric. At the time, women had gotten used to the idea of dressing modestly, thanks to the years and years of war that had made rationing an international way of life, from food to fabric. With just a skirt, Dior suggested it was perhaps time to unabashedly enjoy the concept of beauty in all its incarnations again, starting with the way a piece of clothing can make a girl feel and look oh-so fabulous. The “New Look” was born.
Fast-forward to 2013, and here we are in a social media-obsessed world where trends come and go in 140 characters or less. It’s not exactly a post-war rationing society, but on a bad day, it can seem like a wasteland of half-thought-out ideas where fashion fads rise and fall as fast as hashtags and trends dissipates on Twitter. It’s in these times that a true artist can rise to the occasion with a clean aesthetic and a captivating personal brand, giving us hope that there are still some people out there who can truly inspire the world with their visions of beauty. Enter Raf Simons, the creative director of Dior since 2012. His return to old world elegance and impeccable tailoring even has Anna Wintour saying things like, “Isn’t this amazing?” And that’s simply because, well, it just is. Dior is drastically changing the face of fashion once again, defining a new era and giving us reason to believe in the pure idea of art for art’s sake, in the power of a cohesive collection and in the sheer delight of simply feeling beautiful.
If that doesn’t explain my love for the brand, I honestly don’t know what can… Or how about their decision to sign Robert Pattinson as the new face of Dior Homme? Sure, he’s the dude from the Twilight films, but the British actor might just be the coolest kid of his generation in Hollywood. Not only does he refuse to play the publicity game, he also picks his roles with career caution, has smartly become a part of the David Cronenberg club of collaborators and is clearly set to be the next Brad Pitt. You can take my word for it or wait 10 years just to see that I, along with the house of Dior, am right. I’m easy either way. In honour of Rob’s new role as the face of Dior Homme, here’s a look at the brand’s most beautiful campaigns that remind me that beauty, no matter how frivolous anyone tries to make you feel it is, is so very important.
Marion Cotillard for Dior
Marion Cotillard starred in Dior’s “L.A.dy Dior,” directed by John Cameron Mitchell, which is perhaps one of the most hilarious and brilliant short fashion films of all time. Cotillard plays a Hollywood starlet named Margaux in the short that takes the idea of a fashion narrative to the next level.
Charlize Theron for Dior
Charlize Theron starred alongside Marilyn Monroe, Marlene Dietrich and Grace Kelly (you have to watch it for yourself to understand) in this commercial for J’Adore Dior directed by Seven Years in Tibet‘s Jean-Jacques Annaud.
Natalie Portman for Dior
Natalie Portman was the star of this sexy ad for Miss Dior’s “La Vie En Rose,” directed by Sofia Coppola.
Mila Kunis for Dior
Mila Kunis plays an old Hollywood star in this commercial for Miss Dior directed by Mario Sorrenti.