Special Sub-Topic: Forties Fashion Click Here To Play: Forties Fashion

In 1947 the fashion world changed dramatically. What was this look nicknamed?

The New Look. In 1947 the "New Look" was introduced by Christian Dior to the world. It was dubbed the "New Look" by a fashion magazine editor named, Carmel Snow.

Who created the new post World War Two fashion and when was it introduced?

Christian Dior - February 1947. To be exact Christian Dior introduced his "New Look" on February 12, 1947. Coco Chanel had opened her fashion house in the 1930s but closed during the war. Yves Saint Laurent was actually Christian Dior's apprentice. Gucci made leather goods during this period.

The new style of the late 1940s was in such great demand, that it was hard to get. Why?

After the war there were restrictions on the amount of fabrics being used in clothing, and this look required a bunch of material.. During the war restrictions were put on clothing because all the material needed to be used in the war. After the "New Look" came out restrictions were still on clothing, but soon were lifted. the U.S. Government was also afraid that the "New Look" would ruin its feeble economy.

What was different about the new fashion created in 1947?

Long, beautiful skirts, thin waists, large bust, and drooping shoulders.. Dior lengthened skirts, making them beautiful and it flowed. His designs were worn with corsets, and it enforced tiny waists. Large busts became popular. He got rid of shoulder padding, which was much different. He recreated femininity.

What was one thing that the designer of this new look of 1947 enforced in his fashions?

Thin waists. Christian Dior could not stand large waists. Corsets were being made again so women could fit into his fashion rules and garments. Although he did enforce large busts they were not his top priority. One thing he despised was shoulder padding, he thought it made the woman look like men, and he was all about femininity.

This new post World War Two look was created in a certain place, and after the look became popular it made it the fashion center of the world. Where was it?

Paris. Dior lived in Paris and after he released his look, Paris was known for fashion.

What was the collection called, that was created in 1947 by a famous clothing designer?

Corolle. Corolle means flower. This was a suitable title for the look because of the the flower like way big blossoming skirts came from tiny, stem-like waists.

Which department store gave the designer of this new fashion of 1947 a Fashion Award?

Neiman-Marcus. Although there were many arguments going on about how great the "New Look" actually was at this time, Neiman-Marcus noted Dior's hard efforts to feminize the woman and gave him an award.

What type of shoe was in the most demand during the forties?

Stilettos. Stilettos were very popular. They worked with the "New Look" and lengthened the legs of women and dramatized their ankles which was another area Dior tried to emphasize.

Going into the fifties, what became popular that changed the price and look of fashion?

Artificial materials. Going into the fifties artificial materials started being made, such as rayon and nylon. Fashion became cheaper because material was easily made, and easy to get your hands on.