Marc Bohan, Dior’s longest-serving creative director, has died at the age of 97. Hollywood aristocrats such as Grace Kelly and Elizabeth Taylor wore their thin silhouette designs.
After his predecessor, Yves Saint Laurent, was inducted into the French military in 1960, Bohan was selected to oversee the French label. From 1961 through 1989, he served as artistic director for the brand, delivering exquisite and subtle tailored outfits for the modern woman.
In 1961, he launched the “slim” look, a thin version of Dior’s iconic design with feminine shoulders and sensuously refined skirts, in his first couture collection for the house.
Bohan’s death was confirmed by Dior on Friday, who described him as an “immense visionary and passionate creator” who left his stamp on the fashion company.
“Marc Bohan was a unique creator dear to the heart of our House, infusing Dior elegance with his free spirit,” said Dior CEO Delphine Arnault. “A man of enormous talent who profoundly influenced both our history and fashion history.”
Marc Bohan, Dior’s longest-serving creative director, has died at the age of 97.
The couturier became great friends with Princess Grace of Monaco while working at Dior; thus, her wardrobe paid respect to his work as the two shared the same idea of elegance and flair. Even outside his friendship network, Hollywood influenced Marc’s work: in 1966, he created a collection with fur trim and long coats inspired by “Doctor Zhivago.”
Although Marc tried to remain out of the spotlight — he was often described as modest and discreet – his ideas kept him there. Bohan was commissioned to design the magnificent coronation gown for Iran’s then-empress, Farah Diba Pahlavi, in 1967.
During his time at Dior, Marc expanded the brand’s offerings, from starting Dior’s baby shop to creating Miss Dior and Dior Monsieur lines for young ladies and men. He was also lauded for arranging Dior’s first Indian shows.
In 1989, Gianfranco Ferré took over the fashion house from Bohan. Marc left Dior and relocated to London, where he joined the illustrious house of Norman Hartnell, a couturier for the British royal family. His daughter is the only survivor.
SOURCE – (AP)
