Renowned Dior Designer Marc Bohan Passes Away at 97, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Marc Bohan, the legendary fashion designer celebrated for his unprecedented three-decade role as artistic director at Dior, has peacefully passed away at the age of 97. This iconic figure in the world of fashion left an indelible mark on the industry, and his legacy will forever be associated with the Dior brand.
Marc Bohan – Getty Images
Bohan was known for his understated presence, a stark contrast to some of his more flamboyant successors like John Galliano. However, his mastery of the craft and enduring contributions played a vital role in preserving the spirit of the Dior label well beyond its mid-20th-century heyday.
Born in Paris on August 22, 1926, Bohan’s lifelong passion for art and fashion was nurtured by his mother, a talented milliner.
In 1957, he embarked on a remarkable journey with Christian Dior, initially curating collections in the vibrant fashion scene of London. His inaugural collection, the «Slim Look,» introduced for the spring-summer season of 1961, celebrated the liberated women of the era with shorter hemlines and tailored suits.
Bohan assumed the role of artistic director in 1961 when Yves Saint Laurent left for military service. During his tenure, Bohan forged close relationships with iconic figures of the time, including writer Francoise Sagan, artist Niki de Saint Phalle, and Empress Farah of Iran, whom he notably dressed for the grand coronation of the Shah in 1967.
Bohan’s exquisite designs even caught the eye of the American First Lady, Jackie Kennedy, who sought to emulate his Dior creations through her official designer, Oleg Cassini.
In addition to his impeccable fashion sense, Bohan demonstrated foresight by diversifying the Dior label, introducing new lines tailored for different audiences, including ready-to-wear collections for women («Miss Dior»), children («Baby Dior»), and men («Dior Monsieur»).
After his departure from Dior in 1989, Bohan took on the role of artistic director at the prestigious London-based fashion house, Norman Hartnell, where he continued to make a lasting impact until 1992.
Bohan was not limited to fashion; he had a fervent passion for opera and theater and even ventured into creating stage costumes, collaborating notably with the legendary Luchino Visconti.
Marc Bohan’s exceptional talents earned him the esteemed «De d’Or» («Golden Thimble») award, the highest accolade a designer can receive, not once but twice, in 1983 and 1988.