The new look

Definition

The New Look was a revolutionary fashion style introduced by designer Christian Dior in 1947 that emphasized femininity and luxury, marked by a cinched waist and full skirt. This style reshaped post-war fashion, reflecting a shift away from the utilitarian styles of World War II to a more glamorous and opulent aesthetic. The New Look not only influenced clothing design but also had a profound impact on the world of photography, as it created new opportunities for showcasing fashion in a more artistic and expressive manner.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Look was characterized by its emphasis on an hourglass silhouette, featuring a fitted bodice, narrow shoulders, and a voluminous skirt that fell below mid-calf.
2. Dior's New Look challenged the practical and boxy styles of wartime fashion, which often used limited materials due to rationing.
3. The introduction of the New Look coincided with the rise of fashion magazines that showcased images of luxurious styles, making high fashion more accessible to the public.
4. The New Look had a global impact, influencing not only European designers but also American fashion, leading to a widespread embrace of femininity in post-war clothing.
5. Fashion photographers such as Richard Avedon and Irving Penn gained prominence during this time by capturing the essence of the New Look in striking visuals that combined elegance with artistry.

Review Questions

• How did the New Look change perceptions of women's fashion immediately after World War II?
  • The New Look dramatically shifted perceptions of women's fashion by moving away from the practical and austere styles necessitated during World War II towards an emphasis on femininity and luxury. This change marked a return to traditional ideals of beauty, with designs focusing on enhancing women's natural curves through cinched waists and voluminous skirts. As a result, it not only transformed clothing but also influenced how women viewed their roles in society following the war.
• Discuss how the introduction of the New Look impacted fashion photography in the late 1940s.
  • The introduction of the New Look significantly impacted fashion photography by creating new opportunities for photographers to explore artistic expressions within their work. The dramatic silhouettes and luxurious fabrics offered photographers like Richard Avedon and Irving Penn a chance to showcase these designs in imaginative ways, pushing boundaries in composition and lighting. This era saw an increase in editorial spreads that emphasized not just clothing but also the emotional connection between the wearer and the garment, further elevating fashion photography as an art form.
• Evaluate the broader cultural implications of the New Look beyond just fashion trends during its inception.
  • The New Look had profound cultural implications beyond mere fashion trends as it symbolized a rebirth of femininity in a post-war context where women were encouraged to reclaim their identities after years of wartime utility. This aesthetic revival coincided with women's increasing involvement in society and workforce, challenging traditional gender roles while simultaneously reinforcing certain ideals of femininity. The style inspired discussions around women’s empowerment and self-expression, positioning fashion not just as clothing but as a statement about societal values and personal freedom during a transformative period in history.

Related terms

Christian Dior:

A French fashion designer who founded the Dior fashion house and is best known for creating the New Look in 1947, which redefined women's fashion after World War II.

Couture: High-end fashion that is custom-fitted and made from high-quality, expensive fabric, often created by renowned fashion houses like Dior.

Fashion Photography: A genre of photography that focuses on clothing and other fashion items, typically intended for advertisements or magazines.