World War II was not only a time of hardship for everyonebut it was also a time of sacrifice of fashion for most women. Because of thelack of money and supplies women were not able to dress up like they once werebut in 1947 Christian Diors new look transformed fashion and womens views ofit; he began using luxurious fabrics and lavish designs that women from the1940s had longed for. 1950s fashion is often portrayed as poodle skirts andsweaters but that is really a pale imitation of Diors new look. The new lookincluded a fitted top, a tiny waist and a wide flared skirt that came slightlybelow the knee. There were night and day versions of the new look, the eveninglook a little more extravagant than the day. The evening versions wereultra-glamorous and feminine and often used a boned strapless top. ChristianDiors new look was worn by women who wanted to look more feminine andtraditional; like their grandmothers before them. The new look dominatedwomens silhouettes of its time.

Diors most famous silhouette was the iconic Bar suit. Itwas comprised of a silk jacket with a sloped shoulder, large bust, cinchedwaist and large hip. The wool skirt was full and fell halfway down the calves.The Bar suit look was often paired with a wide brimmed hat, an umbrella, heelsand short leather gloves.


Christian Diors A ensemble was another popular silhouette.The original dress was known for being seen at the wedding of Olivia deHavilland, an American film and stage actress. The suit dress was created witha tailored mens suit in mind but at the same time it was feminine andbeautiful. The dress was crafted from wool and was most often worn with an Alined coat. Like the Bar suit, it was fitted on top and flared out on thebottom in an A shape (hence the name.) Accessories worn with it include longleather gloves, heeled shoes and a clutch handbag.


Evening gowns followed along the same lines as the Bar suitand A-line silhouette Dior popularized. They were fitted through the top halfand had a wide skirt. The ancient Greek God, Venus, inspired Diors Junonevening gown of 1949. The dress is extremely detailed with beading andembroidery on ombre petals. It is made from cotton and silk and is a greatrepresentation of what Dior wanted for the post war women; femininity, luxuryand style. Accessories that may have been worn with this look are stilettoheels, a beaded clutch and a short necklace.


Christian Diors look was made for the traditional woman whowanted elegance, luxury and style wrapped into one. We continue to see currentday fashion designers use the silhouettes Dior popularized on runways and ineditorials and he will always be one of the most influential fashion designersin the world.


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