Who became Dior’s first creative director after Christian Dior died in 1957?

Yves Saint Laurent became Dior’s first creative director after Christian Dior died in 1957. Saint Laurent was only 21 when he took over the house’s artistic direction, making the appointment a notable moment in fashion history.

Saint Laurent had joined Dior in 1955 as an assistant to Christian Dior. After Dior’s death, the young designer presented a spring-summer collection that helped save the company from serious financial difficulties. His work introduced a softer silhouette and included the celebrated Trapeze line.

Saint Laurent’s tenure at Dior was brief. He was called up for military service in 1960 and subsequently left the house. He later founded Yves Saint Laurent with Pierre Bergé, creating one of the major French fashion labels.

Marc Bohan succeeded Saint Laurent at Dior in 1960. This succession is sometimes confused with later Dior appointments, including John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri.