Christian Dior Backstory
Dior jewelry began the first pages of its illustrious and definitive chapter in the sartorial narrative after a revolutionary season in women's fashion that re-imagined the relationship between clothing and accessories. From the beginning, Dior has designed its jewelry pieces in conjunction with their clothing lines, and the result is a cohesive and complete sartorial vision in harmony with all its internal elements.
In 1998, the official division of Dior jewelry entitled Dior Joaillerie was officially founded, opening up many new avenues and possibilities for the famous house which made costume jewelry both accessible and elegant--and made fine jewelry a harmonious component of both evening wear and everyday looks. Dior Joaillerie is today under the creative tutelage of the esteemed visionary Victoire de Castellane, who has worked at the position for the past two decades.
Victoire de Castellane, a gifted designer with an affinity for daring and whimsical creations, has been leading Dior Joaillerie since its inception. De Castellane brought to Dior her extraordinary imagination and affinity for vibrant colors, translating these into masterpieces that blend classic elegance with modern audacity.
The jewels from Dior are a testament to its ateliers' meticulous attention to detail, taking inspiration from Christian Dior’s life, his collections, the brand’s rich heritage, and the designer's love for color and flowers. The Dior jewelry ateliers are based in Paris, where skilled artisans bring each piece to life using time-honored techniques, ensuring every creation aligns with the brand's commitment to quality and excellence.
Dior Joaillerie’s renowned collections vary in inspiration and style, with some of the most celebrated collections including:
1. Rose Dior Pré Catelan collection:
Named after a favorite location of Christian Dior, the Pré Catelan garden in the Bois de Boulogne near Paris, the Rose Dior Pré Catelan collection is a tribute to the designer's passion for flowers. Each piece showcases roses, crafted from gold and often highlighted with diamonds, in their natural, wild state. The collection, ranging from rings to necklaces and earrings, is a celebration of nature’s beauty in full bloom.
2. Archi Dior Collection:
The Archi Dior collection is a spectacular homage to the couturier's most iconic designs. Just as Christian Dior sculpted fabrics to create his haute couture, Victoire de Castellane shapes gold and precious stones to mimic the folds, pleats, and flares of Dior's signature dresses. The jewelry pieces in this collection are considered architectural masterpieces, embodying a unique blend of haute couture and fine jewelry.
3. Dior à Versailles Collection:
The Dior à Versailles collection is an ode to the opulence and grandeur of the Palace of Versailles, which greatly influenced Christian Dior's designs. The collection showcases intricate details and symmetries reminiscent of the palace's lavish halls and gardens. Precious gemstones and fine gold echo the palace’s grandeur, resulting in a collection that exudes royal elegance.
4. Granville Collection:
Named after Christian Dior's childhood home in Normandy, the Granville Collection features colorful, playful pieces that reflect the enchanting gardens and vibrant colors that inspired the young Dior. Expect a mix of precious and semi-precious stones in vibrant hues, such as pink opals, tanzanite, turquoise, and green beryls, playfully arranged to create a feast for the eyes.
5. Oui Collection:
A collection dedicated to love, the Oui Collection by Victoire de Castellane features delicate engagement rings and bridal jewelry. The central motif is a charming, stylized "Oui," French for "Yes," crafted in gold and often punctuated with a diamond.