Kate Moss as the face of Dior Addict lipsticks
What do Kate Moss, Natalie Portman and John Galliano all have in common? Apart from grabbing every headline going in the past few weeks, they’re all associated (or were, in Galliano’s case) with über fashion house Christian Dior. And it’s not just the clothes that make the headlines, Dior is one of a handful of brands that has become both a fashion and a beauty phenomenon. And while only a select few will be getting their hands on Galliano’s last ready-to-wear collection for the brand in a few months, we’ll all be flocking to our nearest beauty counter next time the label either announces a new fragrance or launches their next state-of-the-art mascara. In the billion-dollar business of beauty, Christian Dior reigns supreme.
Heaven scent
Monsieur Christian Dior launched his first fashion collection in Paris in 1947 and it instantly changed the face of fashion. His first fragrance, Miss Dior, was launched at the same time to coincide with the unveiling of the new collection, and was well received by his elegant and rich haute couture clients. Contained within a heavy glass bottle and tied with a chic little bow, it set the tone for the House Of Dior, and indulged Monsieur Dior’s belief that, “True luxury demands the finest materials and the finest craftsmanship.” He considered himself to be as much a perfumer as a couturier, so it is no surprise that the brand is renowned for its iconic fragrances, from Miss Dior (released in 1947 and created by Dior himself) to J’Adore, (released in 1999 and still the second-biggest selling fragrance in the world).
Although prolific in his early perfume creations - some of which have now attained cult status - it’s the fragrances created after his death that we are most familiar with. Meanwhile, women are becoming increasingly aware of how important good skin care is in the fight against premature ageing. Their best-selling Capture Totale range is favoured by Dita Von Teese who is, "Devoted to Capture Totale Foundation and to the powder!" When it comes to cosmetics, the range of nine Diorshow mascaras & Diorskin Nude foundations (which come in 13 different shades) are consistently popular, proving that Dior have got the all of the beauty basics spot on.
Winning formula
In another stroke of perfect timing, Dior signed up Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman as the new face of Miss Dior Cherie. She perfectly reflects the feminine, youthful fragrance that was inspired by its elegant older sister, Miss Dior. Created by Francois Demachy and available in three different ‘strengths’ (L’Eau, Eau de Toilette & Eau de Parfum) the fruity top notes of Sicilian mandarin mingle prettily with jasmine, rose and patchouli, and are contained in a pretty bow-adorned bottle that will appeal to a new, younger generation of Dior fans.
Kate Moss is also about to hit our screens in a huge TV & print campaign, as the face of Dior Addict Lipsticks. A revolutionary new formula containing 25% less wax than traditional lipsticks, these come in three different ranges. First choose your look - Rock, Doll or Glam Icon - then select a colour from one of 15 on-trend shades. Kate - who is, let’s face, the ultimate Rock Chick - wears Dior Kiss from the Rock Icon range in the new campaign, so get your elbows sharpened if you want to get your hands on one of those!
Tellingly, more than 60 years after the initial fragrance launch, the ever expanding range of Dior cosmetics, fragrances and skin care still have a distinctive and unmistakable whiff of Parisian glamour about them, which would undoubtedly please Monsieur Dior himself.
Check out some of our favourite beauty buys from Dior.
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