The Dior
Art of Living

“Living in a house that is not your own is a bit like wearing someone else’s clothes,” wrote Christian Dior, who considered decoration a marvellous means of self-expression. For the opening of his first boutique, he designed a space displaying gifts and objects, a very personal way of sharing his fascination with the French art de vivre. Dedicated to all manner of accessories – jewellery, scarves, then perfumes, items for men, letter racks, mirrors – and more generally to the art of giving, this showcase named “Colifichets” was born in 1947, just months after the founding couturier opened a house in his own name at 30 Avenue Montaigne.

In light of its success, in August 1955 the department moved to 15 Rue François-I^er, where it continued to innovate and expand under the direction of Jean-Pierre Frère. A profusion of original creations was thus introduced (candlesticks, spice containers, earthenware, incense burners, vases, garden candle holders, etc.). Since the 1970s, collaborations have continued to flourish, with tableware and home décor becoming a separate department spanning Gifts, Porcelain, Silverware, Crystal and Home Linen lines. In 1997, Doris Brynner (1931-2025), a passionate personality with exquisite taste, brought fresh energy to the company and guided it towards new horizons. A world traveller, she lent her unerring eye, a modern vision and a distinctive sensibility to the selection of unique pieces, treasures of precious craftsmanship. She would continue to expand that universe by forging enchanting ties between artisanal savoir-faire and fashion.

Named Artistic Director of Dior Maison in 2017, Cordelia de Castellane in turn summons emblematic codes like cannage, the star, lily-of-the-valley, the bee, the four-leaf clover and stripes to reinterpret Dior’s heritage. Carrying forward the same elegance with which Christian Dior adorned his homes in Paris, Milly-la-Forêt and La Colle Noire in Provence, she continues to embody his artistic vision while embracing the spirit of the times.

Today, she revisits the initials “CD” in a play of irresistibly graphic interlaced patterns. Illuminated in bright, shimmering tones, tableaux inspired by abstract art unfold as CD Entrelacé appears on throws, cushions, notebooks and trays. Jewellery and watch boxes in straw marquetry complete this exclusive selection, while a pocket tray – the fruit of a collaboration with the Manufacture des Émaux de Longwy, founded in 1798 – reveals assorted chromatic variations, including one combining 24-carat gold, platinum and copper. As a final surprise, a surfboard is available in five colours, each of which is produced in four numbered copies and adorned with a redesigned logo, a promise of style. These limited-edition originals may be discovered in selected Dior boutiques. A reinvention of excellence and art de vivre in all its forms.