Bohan’s legacy in the fashion world is remarkable, and he played a pivotal role in maintaining Dior’s spirit during a transformative era. Born in Paris in 1926, Bohan’s passion for fashion and design was nurtured by his milliner mother from a young age.
In 1957, he joined Christian Dior and began his journey as a designer. His iconic «Slim Look» collection for the spring-summer season of 1961 celebrated the liberated women of the era, featuring shorter skirts and stylish suits. In 1961, he assumed the role of artistic director when Yves Saint Laurent was called up for military service.
Bohan had a close association with influential figures of his time, including writer Francoise Sagan, artist Niki de Saint Phalle, and Empress Farah of Iran, whom he dressed for the shah’s coronation in 1967. His designs even captivated the American First Lady, Jackie Kennedy, who emulated Bohan’s Dior look through her official designer Oleg Cassini.
Bohan’s contributions to Dior extended beyond haute couture. He introduced ready-to-wear lines, including «Miss Dior» for women, «Baby Dior» for children, and «Dior Monsieur» for men, making the brand more accessible to diverse audiences.
After leaving Dior in 1989, Bohan served as the artistic director for London’s Norman Hartnell until 1992. Beyond fashion, he had a passion for opera and theater, designing stage costumes and collaborating with prominent artists like Luchino Visconti.
Marc Bohan’s outstanding career earned him recognition in the form of the prestigious «De d’Or» («Golden Thimble») award, which he received twice, in 1983 and 1988.
The fashion world mourns the loss of this iconic designer, whose legacy continues to inspire.
