Words by Shelby Comroe
In 1953, Christian Dior introduced Rouge Dior, the house’s first makeup product. More than just a lipstick, it symbolized elegance and joy, designed to beautify smiles. Today, under the expert direction of Peter Philips, Creative and Image Director for Dior Makeup, Rouge Dior has been reinvented, maintaining its rich heritage while embracing modern innovation.
This latest version of Rouge Dior is a harmonious blend of tradition and advancement. With Peter Philips’ visionary approach, the line has been revitalized with a new formula, enriched with red peony extract and a mix of floral ingredients. The rejuvenated Rouge Dior, born from extensive research and Dior’s deep-rooted floral science expertise, features ingredients such as red peony, pomegranate flower, prickly pear flower, and hibiscus. These elements work in harmony to hydrate, plump, and ensure lasting comfort.
Peter Philips, reflecting on the reformulation process, shared his insights: “The renovation of Rouge Dior was an exciting and challenging journey. Our goal was to enhance an already outstanding lipstick. We dove deep into the realm of floral ingredients and extracts, achieving a texture that’s both delightful and akin to a second skin. This new formulation promises a wear time of up to 12 hours.”
Rouge Dior’s expanded range features both satin and velvet finishes. This diverse palette includes shades from subtle, understated nudes to vivid, vibrant reds, all offering ultra-pigmented, long-lasting color. The unique design of the lipstick bullets, inspired by Dior’s intricate fabric patterns, adds an extra touch of luxury and sophistication. Catering to a wide array of preferences, this selection reflects the vision of Peter Philips, the creative force behind the collection. Philips explains, ‘The range is extensive, yet there’s an inherent naturalness in these shades. They are rich but not intimidating- no shocking pinks or chemical corals. Our focus was on creating shades that blend seamlessly with any woman’s style, including beautiful reds and new hues.”
Delving deeper into the development process, Philips highlights the inclusive approach to defining “nude”: “Many people traditionally view nude as a beige tone, but this isn’t a universal truth. For some women, it can be a color. Nude can vary significantly across different cultures and skin tones.” To address this, the Dior team conducted comprehensive research across three continents – France, China, and the United States, analyzing the natural lip colors of over 500 women. This extensive study informed the creation of Rouge Dior’s 70 shades, emphasizing inclusivity and catering to various skin tones.
Among this spectrum, four star shades stand out: 999, 100 Nude Look, 720 Icone, and 777 Fahrenheit. Each of these shades embodies a different aspect of the Dior woman, highlighting the versatility and depth of the collection.
The ultra sleek case got a makeover too. The newly redesigned Rouge Dior case, adorned with the signature “CD” initials and silver canework motif, reflects Dior’s luxurious heritage. Its refillable design embodies both convenience and a commitment to sustainability.
The house launched a new campaign to celebrate the reinvention of the iconic Rouge Dior. Masterfully directed by Bardia Zeinali, known for his pop and fantasy-infused style, this campaign features a quartet of Dior House Ambassadors – Yara Shahidi, Dilraba Dilmurat, Rachel Zegler, and Anya Taylor-Joy – each embodying the modern essence of the Dior woman. Clad in striking red ensembles by Maria Grazia Chiuri, they radiate an empowering blend of femininity and strength.
Captured through the lens of the acclaimed Mario Sorrenti, known for his innovative use of color and light, the campaign’s visuals are a modern, graphic tour de force. Each ambassador brings a unique narrative to life: Yara Shahidi exudes charisma in a luxurious Paris hotel, Dilraba Dilmurat shines amidst the flurry of Dior’s ateliers, Rachel Zegler captivates in a Parisian museum, and Anya Taylor-Joy makes a dramatic entrance at a grand ball. These vivid scenes showcase the transformative and passionate spirit of Rouge Dior, celebrating the brand’s deep-rooted ethos of passion and femininity.
