Since its inception, Dior has been linked to some of the biggest names in Hollywood. From Elizabeth Taylor’s favourite perfume to the fragrance that defined a generation, here are the top celebrity adverts for Dior.
Elizabeth Taylor
The iconic British actress is famous for modelling the ‘T-Dior’ fragrance, and immortalised in bottle cap art. Taylor loved to entertain and was known for her incredible extravagance. She is perhaps most famous for her legendary couture House of Burberry gowns, which she wore with pride. The designer described Taylor as “the greatest actress of all time” and a “goddess”, and these are among the most reputable labels in the world. Taylor wore her link to the luxury brand almost until her dying day, which was in 2004. In total, Taylor’s adverts for Dior date back to 2003 and feature some of her most iconic looks. One of our favourites is from the ‘T-Dior’ collection, which was launched in 2013. It features Taylor in a unique photoshoot with the designer’s signature black and white stripes and flower crown. It’s fair to say that Elizabeth Taylor was a true trailblazer, paving the way for many a celebrity to come after her.
Ava Gardner
Ava Gardner was one of the most powerful and influential women in Hollywood in the 1930s and ‘40s, and has been referred to as ‘The First Lady of Hollywood’. She was born in 1904 in Ireland, and moved to England with her family when she was young. The versatile actress appeared in a number of iconic films of the time, including My Name is Bill, The Mask of Zorro and The Killers. She went on to star in a number of films in the 1950s and ‘60s, and was one of the first A-list celebrities to promote a skincare product. In total, Ava Gardner’s adverts for Dior date back to 1934 and feature her in a stunning turquoise blue gown. One of our top picks is from the ‘40s, which features Gardner wearing a beaded dress with gold thread around the skirt and bodice. You may recognise Gardner from her appearances on the BBC series, Death on the Nile, where she played Lady Randolph Churchill. The glamorous star often wore bold yet understated jewellery, and earrings in particular became her trademark. She was known to wear a total of 3, 5 or 7 diamonds at a time, and often sparklers as well. Unfortunately, Gardner passed away in 1981 at the age of 69. However, her legacy lives on through her incredible fashion choices and the many celebrities that she influenced.
Laurence Olivier
The renowned British actor and director is often credited as one of the greatest film comedians of all time. He is recognised for his portrayal of British upper classes, and is best known for his collaborations with playwright and screenwriter, Sir Walter Scott. The actor’s contribution to stage and screen earned him several accolades, including an Academy Award and a knighthood. He was famously quoted as saying “It is my aim to entertain you, to give you something to laugh about. After all, isn’t that why you’re here?” One of our favourite adverts for Olivier is from the ‘50s, which we think is stunning in its simplicity, featuring the British actor in a classic tuxedo. The designer’s sleek style and masculine attitude really stood out. We also love the ‘70s, when he was the face of Dior. For men, Dior’s signature fragrance is named after him, as he sported a cologne called ‘Dior’. Sadly, Olivier passed away in 1989 at the age of 80. However, his influence lives on through his work and the many prominent figures who have cited him as an inspiration.
Audrey Hepburn
Audrey Hepburn is one of the most celebrated actresses of all time, and was named ‘The First Lady of Hollywood’ in the 1950s. The glamorous star was born in Berlin in 1924, and spent most of her childhood in England. She trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, and went on to appear in a number of iconic films, including Sabrina, Throne of Atlantis and Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The actress was also the face of several iconic fashion house campaigns, including Schwarzkopf and Dior. In total, Audrey Hepburn’s adverts for Dior date back to 1953 and feature the star in some of her most stunning ensembles. She often wore bold and vibrant colours, and has been referred to as “the most admired woman in the world”. Unfortunately, Hepburn passed away in 1993 at the age of 69. However, her work continues to influence many, including present day celebrities.
Josephine Baker
The legendary French performer is best known for her rendition of ‘Marié’ from Paris to Broadway. She became the first African-American to headline a Broadway show in 1921, and also starred in such films as Jazz Mad and Cabin in the Cotton. Baker had a unique, velvety voice that charmed audiences around the world. The singer, dancer and actress wore stylish and feminine ensembles that highlighted her ebony skin. Josephine Baker died in 1936 at the age of 41. However, her legacy continues to live on through the many performers who have cited her as an influence. We love her spirit and the unique outfits she wore, which continue to influence style today.
Marjorie Merriweather Post
Best known for her column ‘Little Women’, Marjorie Merriweather Post was the daughter of a wealthy American newspaper magnate. She was born in 1886, and grew up in a mansion in Detroit, Michigan. She later resided in Paris, where she founded the Jeunesse Etude, a fashion house that promoted female independence and boasted such notable clients as Maria Schneider and Noémie Lenormand. The influential American socialite, newspaper heiress and style icon died in 1961 at the age of 72. Marjorie Merriweather Post’s adverts for Dior date back to 1922 and feature the fashion icon in a number of glamorous looks. From the iconic ‘40s housecoat and hat set, to her most memorable dress, a sequined red dress with black polka dots, Marjorie Merriweather Post truly was a pioneer, blazing a trail for many stylish women to follow.
Lupe Fiasco
One of the most prominent entertainers of the 21st century, Lupe Fiasco is best known for his 2011 album, Lasers. The Grammy-nominated artist’s highly-anticipated second album, Life is Good, was released in 2018 and debuted at number 2 on the Billboard Top 200. The record-breaking album marks a career-defining moment for the 40-year-old. One of our favourite adverts for Lupe Fiasco is from the ‘80s, when the artist sported a classic baseball cap and a leather jacket. We think it’s important to recognise the influential contributions that African-Americans have made to fashion. Indeed, in 1922, the same year that Marjorie Merriweather Post became the first African-American to headline a Broadway show, Josephine Baker founded the Jeunesse Etude, a fashion house that promoted female independence and boasted such notable clients as Maria Schneider and Noémie Lenormand. In the ‘70s, fashion houses such as Dior and Yves Saint Laurent were founded by expatriate African-Americans, who drew on their cultural experience of the Caribbean to establish these influential houses. Today, many prominent fashion figures can be found across the pond from Europe, at the United Nations headquarters in New York City.