Brown Thomas’ birthday: From Dior and Louboutin to Liz Hurley and Michael Buble, iconic store celebrates 175 years in the theatre of retail

Through changing fashions and new owners, store has always known how to put on a show

Christian Louboutin visiting his boutique in Brown Thomas for the first time in 2011. Photo: Leon Farrell/Photocall Ireland

Bairbre Power

When Christian Dior visited Dublin in 1950 to open his boutique in Brown Thomas, a century after the store first opened, the French couturier was the talk of town.

His exciting “New Look” silhouette with its cinched waists, rounded shoulders and very full skirts was considered the height of chic couture.