The Dior New Look Debut

Fashion history took place on this date, February 12, 1947, when 42 year old Christian Dior debuted his first haute couture collection at Paris' 30 rue Montaigne.


1950's  Christian Dior 30 rue Montaigne
1950's Christian Dior 30 rue Montaigne

Mannequin Marie-Thèrése premiered the first of Dior's 90 dazzling creations from his En Huit and Corolle titled collections.

So enraptured with the uniquely shaped dresses with their sumptuous fabrics, voluminous skirts, nipped waistlines, and longer lengths, Harper's Bazaar Editor-in-Chief, Carmel Snow exclaimed, "It's quite a revolution, dear Christian! Your dresses have such a new look!"


Model at Christian Dior Premiers His "New Look" Collection February 12, 1947
Christian Dior Premiers His "New Look" Collection
February 12, 1947

Presented just two years after the Second World War, Dior's fresh new look turned women from austere wartime mode and reintroduced them to fashion's allure and sensuality.



Model at Christian Dior Premiers His "New Look" Collection February 12, 1947
Christian Dior Premiers His "New Look" Collection
February 12, 1947

Christian Dior "Bar Suit" Spring/Summer 1947
©Metropolitan Museum
Gift of Mrs. John Chambers Hughes

Christian Dior's "Chérie" Spring/Summer 1947
©Metropolitan Museum
Gift of Christian Dior

It was reported in Elle magazine that Marlene Dietrich ordered ten New Look dresses from the now famous fashion show. The magazine printed a photograph of Miss Dietrich's calves, touted as "the most beautiful legs in the world", advising its readers they were never likely to be seen again.

Marlene Dietrich at Christian Dior 1947 Fashion Show
Marlene Dietrich at Christian Dior 1947 Fashion Show

Although Christian Dior died a mere 10 years after the debut of his "New Look" collection, his legacy resonates today in Dior's Autumn/Winter 2017-2018 silhouette.


Current model in short blond hair wearing a great suit reminiscent of Dior's 1947 New Look Design in Dior's Autumn/Winter 2017-2018 Collection
Dior's Autumn/Winter 2017-2018 Silhouette
Reminiscent of Dior's 1947's New Look
Dior


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