I’ve always loved wearing bright red lipstick, so was very happy that one of my Christmas presents was the Dior #999 lipstick for Christmas which was incidentally launched on the September 9th 2019. (It also helps having a sister-in-law working for Dior).

Dior’s iconic shade of red lipstick was named #999, a tribute to Christian Dior’s first lipstick, #9.

Christian Dior once said, “I love red. It is the colour of life.”

Dior #9 lipstick debuted in 1953 — as the designer’s final touch to his newest collection crimson couture gowns. The shade received immediate success, treasured and sought after by loyal clientele and celebrities alike.

But it takes on another meaning in China, where the #9 means good luck.

“9 (九, JIǓ) – LUCKY 九 sounds just like 久 (jiǔ), which means “long lasting” and “eternity” in Chinese. At birthday and wedding celebrations, the number 9 is welcome as it represents longevity. 9 was also traditionally associated with the Chinese emperor. The emperor’s robes had nine dragons on them, officials were organised in nine ranks, and the Forbidden City is known to have a total of 9,999 and a half rooms.” So you see. #9 is lucky for some.

However, Christian Dior’s lucky number was the number 8?

Christian Dior was very superstitious. He always kept with him a four-leaf clover, two hearts, a piece of wood and a gold coin as well as playing with numbers. Number eight he felt was the most enchanting. Dior was located in the eighth district of Paris, in a new eight floor building with eight workshops. Eight had a sensual form and marked the silhouette of the revolutionary La Corolle “clean and curved, emphasized bosom, hallowed waist, accentuated hips.” Supposedly, he always started his drawings with the number 8 for this reason.