New Look

Definition

The New Look is a fashion style that emerged in the late 1940s and became iconic in the 1950s, characterized by its feminine silhouette with a fitted bodice, accentuated waist, and full skirt. This aesthetic marked a significant shift from the austere styles of wartime, embracing luxury and opulence, and had a profound influence on mid-century fashion trends.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The New Look was first introduced by Christian Dior in his 1947 collection, which featured designs that celebrated femininity after the restrictions of World War II.
2. This style contrasted sharply with the previous wartime fashions that favored practicality, utilizing rich fabrics and extravagant designs to convey elegance.
3. The New Look popularized key elements such as longer hemlines, padded shoulders, and cinched waists, influencing both ready-to-wear and couture clothing.
4. Dior's designs faced criticism for being extravagant during a time when many were still facing post-war austerity, yet they ultimately symbolized a return to femininity and luxury.
5. The New Look significantly influenced not only women's fashion but also shaped the broader cultural landscape of the 1950s, impacting everything from film to advertising.

Review Questions

• How did the New Look influence women's fashion choices in the 1950s?
  • The New Look reshaped women's fashion by introducing an emphasis on femininity through its signature silhouette featuring a fitted bodice and full skirt. This new style encouraged women to embrace their curves and adopt a more glamorous wardrobe compared to the practicality of wartime attire. As a result, many women began to favor dresses that highlighted their waistlines and showcased luxurious fabrics, marking a significant cultural shift in societal expectations of femininity during this era.
• Discuss the cultural impact of the New Look beyond just fashion trends. What were its broader implications for society during the mid-20th century?
  • The New Look had a profound cultural impact by not only redefining women's fashion but also reflecting post-war societal changes. It signaled a return to traditional gender roles where femininity was celebrated through elaborate clothing. This change coincided with shifting attitudes towards women’s independence and liberation as they navigated their identities in a post-war context. The glamour associated with the New Look influenced media portrayals of women in film and advertising, shaping perceptions of beauty and desirability during the 1950s.
• Evaluate how Christian Dior's New Look challenged existing norms within the fashion industry at the time of its debut.
  • Christian Dior's New Look challenged existing norms by subverting the practical, utilitarian styles that dominated women's fashion during World War II. By introducing designs that emphasized luxury and extravagance at a time when many still faced economic hardships, Dior created a stark contrast that pushed against societal expectations. This bold move sparked debates around femininity, consumerism, and social class, ultimately leading to increased competition among designers as they sought to capture the spirit of this revolutionary style while navigating its implications within a changing society.

Related terms

Christian Dior: A French fashion designer who is credited with creating the New Look, revolutionizing women's fashion with his first collection in 1947.

Silhouette: The overall shape and outline of a garment that defines its style, which in the case of the New Look emphasized an hourglass figure.

Haute Couture: High-end fashion that is made to order for specific clients, often associated with the luxurious designs that characterized the New Look.