Dior

Date Founded: 1946
Most Notable Designers: Christian Dior (1946 - 1957), Yves Saint Laurent (1957 - 1960), John Galliano (1996 - 2011), Hedi Slimane (menswear, 2000 - 2007), Raf Simons (starting July 2012)
Muses Throughout History: Princess Margaret, Duchess of Marlborough, Mitzvah Bricard, Kate Moss, Dita von Teese
Most Famous Contribution To Fashion: Christian Dior introduced the New Look into fashion in the '40s, in which full, mid-calf-length skirts, small waists, and fitted tops became the silhouette to emulate for the next decade and beyond.
House Drama: Christian Dior designed dresses for wives of Nazi officers while his own sister was sent to a concentration camp for being a member of the French Resistance movement. In 2000, John Galliano created a homeless-inspired couture collection. In 2011, Galliano was removed from his post at Dior for making anti-semitic remarks in Paris while drunk.

Illustrations by Gabriela Alford