Thanks to the hard work, determination and grit of the legendary fashion designer, Christian Dior (1905-1957) who advocated femininity, modernity and elegance through his work. He came out from his studio with the collection—he called, "The New Look" which liberated women in style and put an end to the fashion era that was dominated by the second world war (1939-1945).
Inadequate fabrics was the fundamental missing key for the designers and clothing manufacturers which required to revolutionize the world of fashion during the second world war. There was no option other than to face the harsh realities of the wartime. The clever approach required to make pieces that will require a minimum amount of fabric possible—for instance, short skirts with details like close fitting and square shoulders were very popular during wartime.
Since Dior was a talented designer combined with his keen observation of wartime fashions, he thought to make something that women will be happy of. Even though the clothing restrictions were still applied in countries like France, Great Britain and the United States, Christin Dior introduced his poetic collection in 1947. Dior's New Look went against the frugality of the second world war.
His collection was characterized by the maximum use of futuristic fabrics such as cambric or taffeta to craft exaggerated silhouettes of skirts with details like embroideries, rounded shoulders and narrow waist that instantly elevate femininity.
Dior gave women freedom of accessorizing their ensembles—being said, he introduced a plethora of finishing pieces like hats (noticed by many to be worn one side), long gloves and simple jewelry. It was a time when women embraced elegance, luxury and youthfulness.
The history of Christian Dior in the fashion world debuted in 1938 when he was a designer at the house of Robert Piguet. Robert Piguet (1898-1953) left the legacy of training the fashion talents, Christian Dior and Hubert de Givenchy. The significant expertise of Dior when it comes to dress-making was nurtured during his time in the house of French Couturier, Lucien Lelong (1889—1958) in 1942.
With the acknowledgement of Dior's ability to become a successful fashion designer—the french entrepreneur Marcel Boussac (1889—1980) in 1946 facilitated the introduction of Dior's fashion house.
The investment in Dior was prolific. Dior's name became prominent in the fashion world within a short period of time, especially after the introduction of New Look. Emerging as the most celebrated designer in high-end fashion and haute couture, Dior's work was rooted in determining the flavor in haute couture.
Dior gained voltage in his work to further unleash structured silhouettes for women—such as H-line (1954), Y-line (1955) and A-line (1956).
Dior's house solely focused on modernity and elegance. Apart from designing enchanting clothes and accessories—Dior's house also features men and women perfumes such as Dior Sauvage Elixir (for men) and Miss Dior (for women). Unfortunately—Dior suddenly died in 1957 but the name is one among the most powerful fashion brands in today's fast-paced world.
Dior's New Look clothes created an international sensation. Critics scolded the designer for ignoring the continued rationing and the economic distress of the war years.
Dior's New Look Collection became a global sensation and upon the success of it—a significant number of fashion designers and clothing producers made their ready-to-wear collection while drawing inspiration from the New Look collection.
REFERENCES:
Cawthorne, Nigel. The New Look: The Dior Revolution. London, England: Reed Consumer Books, 1996.
Ewing, Elizabeth. History of Twentieth Century Fashion. Revised by Alice Mackrell. Langham, MD: Barnes and Noble Books, 1992.
Steele, Valerie. Fifty Years of Fashion: New Look to Now. New Haven, CT: Yale University Press, 1997.