The ‘New Look’
Published on May 25th, 2008.
Christian Dior was born in France in 1905. He founded the Dior fashion house which is one of the best known fashion houses in the world. Dior’s house opened in December 1946 and in February 1947 he presented one of his most famous collections best known as the ‘New Look’. The term new look was first used by the editor of Harper’s Bazaar magazine, Carmel Snow.
One of the most important things about this collection was the huge contrast to the fashions of the last 10 years. Over the World War II period fabric was rationed, This was shown in the simple boxy shapes of the early 1940′s. Dior’s designs required large amounts of fabric, and after initial protests, omen welcomed the change.
The silhouette was one of the most recognisable things about the ‘New Look’, small corseted wasp waists were contrasted by large circular skirts and large hats. This collection showed a return to the use of the corset to achieve the desired shape. The look was much more feminine then the large padded shoulders and straight pencil skirts worn during the war.
Dior was one of the top designers during the 1950′s and he firmly put Paris back on the map when it came to fashion. He died in Italy in 1957 after choking on a fish bone.
Dior was one of the most sensational designers of his day and his name will always be associated with the best of Parisian Couture.
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