Christian Dior

c. 1950

Internet Source

[France]

Christian Dior (1905-57) founded ‘one of the world’s top fashion houses’ in 1946, and he became known as a master of shape and silhouette. Dior’s first collection, presented in February 1947, was called the ‘New Look’, a term coined by Harper’s Bazaar US editor-in-chief at the time, Carmel Snow. The ‘look’ was defined by cinched waists and voluminous skirts – an antidote to the austerity of women’s wartime fashion. Described as ‘mutinous indulgence’, some skirts used up to 20 metres of fabric. Dior continues today as one of the most successful brands in the world, designing not only couture but perfumes and accessories as well.