Marc Bohan, former Dior artistic director, dies at 97

Marc Bohan, the fashion designer who led Dior from 1961 to 1989, died on September 6, 2023 at age 97. Born Roger Maurice Louis Bohan in Paris in 1926, he studied fashion inspired by his milliner mother. He worked at Patou before being appointed to head Dior's London branch by Christian Dior himself. In 1961, he replaced Yves Saint Laurent, who was conscripted for the Algerian War. Bohan is credited with the Slim Look, featuring colorful, decorated fitted dresses, a departure from Dior's post-war New Look. He dressed notable figures including Farah Diba for her wedding to the Shah of Iran and her coronation as empress, Grace of Monaco, Alexandra of Yugoslavia, and Jackie Kennedy. His 1966 collection was inspired by the novel Doctor Zhivago, featuring long fur-trimmed coats over maxi dresses. Under Bohan, Dior expanded into children's line Baby Dior, men's line Dior Monsieur, and accessories like ostrich-trimmed scarves and rhinestone brooches, democratizing the brand. He was succeeded by Gianfranco Ferré and later John Galliano.