Fashion designer Christian Dior was born in 1905 in Normandy, France. He initially studied political science and, after serving in the military, he returned to Paris in 1935 and began his design career by selling sketches of hat and dress designs. At first, the former were more successful than the latter. However, he ultimately concentrated on his dress designs and was hired by Robert Piguet in 1938. During the war, he served in the South of France, then returned again to Paris in 1941 and worked for Lucien Lelong, a much larger design house. In 1946, Christian Dior was able to open his own house, backed by textile manufacturer Marcel Boussac. In 1953, Christian Dior hired Yves Saint Laurent as an assistant. After Dior's sudden death in October 1957 in Italy, Saint Laurent became head designer and introduced the trapeze dress in his first collection for the house. Parfums Christian Dior is the make-up and perfumery line of Christian Dior.

Today, the holding company's operating unit, Christian Dior Couture, designs and makes some of the world's most coveted haute couture, as well as luxury ready-to-wear fashion and accessories (for men and women). In additional to apparel, fragrance and accessories, they added skincare to its mix in mid-2006. Christian Dior has a 42% controlling stake in luxury goods giant LVMH. Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault and family control the brand.