The business model that began as a single brand directed by one creative mind has become a model composed of a portfolio of complimentary luxury brands, exemplified by the evolution of Christian Dior & the ultimate luxury conglomerate: LVMH.

The interwar years saw a profound shift in the cultural values of the Western World. Women's fashion was particularly affected, with formality taking a backseat to practicality and comfort. Gabrielle Chanel was among the first designers to not only understand this cultural shift, but to capitalize on it and build an empire in the process.