Christian Dior is known throughout the world as a brand that offers luxurious clothing, leather goods, perfumes, and sunglasses. Before it was a brand, however, there was Christian Dior the man: a bald, pear-shaped, nervous Frenchman, the son of a fertilizer magnate. He wasn't the most likely-looking fashion magnate, but this grand couturier single-handedly revived the Paris fashion scene after World War II, re-establishing the French capitol as the Fashion Capitol.

His "New Look" collection, released in 1947, breathed new life into feminine fashion with its cinched waists and flowing skirts. It even caused a fair amount of controversy-- cloth in post-war Europe was still a heavily rationed commodity, and the yards and yards of material used in a single Christian Dior design seemed to represent decadence and selfishness to some. For everyone else, it was a much-needed restorative, and the timid man with the bold designs became a hit. Dior maintained his prominence throughout the 1950s, becoming a household name and later a fashion institution. Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent, both giants of fashion themselves, first learned to cut and design as employees of Dior.

Dior's fame expanded beyond Paris, leading to a boutique in New York City in the early 1950s. He designed exclusive outfits for Alfred Hitchcock's actresses. Princess Margaret of England, younger sister of the current Queen, was a favored client for whom he staged fashion shows at Blenheim Palace. All of this was thrown into chaos following Dior's sudden death from a heart attack in 1957. The artistic direction of the House of Dior was taken over by 21-year-old Saint Laurent, who completed six collections before military conscription ended his tenure with the company. By 1970, the brand had become an empire, offering cosmetics, perfume, menswear, childrenswear, and more.

Christian Dior Designer Sunglasses

Nowadays, one of the fastest ways to get a piece of the Dior legend is with a pair of their chic designer sunglasses. Just as before, the antidote to troubled times may be a little shameless luxury in fine accessories. These are the signature pieces seen on numerous stars, and we can all join in without breaking the bank. So with a galaxy of designs to choose from, which ones hit the mark?

Both Uma Thurmann and Spanish actress Paz Vega have been snapped gracing the beach in their Dior Glossy 1s, so you know they must be onto something. These stylish oversized shades are an equally perfect foil for bright sunshine and the flashbulbs of the paparazzi. Former Spice Girl Emma Bunton, Tyra Banks and Kate Moss have all been seen out and about in these must haves. Recommendation enough?

Daniel Craig must have chosen his 0126s for the latest Bond premiere with his 'shaken-not-stirred' character in mind. They're as cool a look as anything out there with that classic aviator shape that secret agents (and aspiring ones) are duty bound to wear.

The Dior feel for detail in luxury is nowhere more evident than with the Spuns model favoured by Mariah Carey. The temple arms hug the head with highly visible, deliciously crafted logos that shout quality and class. One-piece shield style lenses with any one of four brown hued gradients complete the look.