The New Look - The Dior Revolution by Nigel Cawthorne Published by Hamlyn pounds 20.00
Buy Me
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.On 12 February 1997 Christian Dior will be celebrating its 50th anniversary with John Galliano as the new design director. On the same day in 1947, Dior, aged 42, unveiled his first collection to shivering fashion editors and buyers in Paris. It was -13C, and Carmel Snow, editor of US Harpers Bazaar, muttered, "This had better be good." What she didn't know was that Dior's "Corolla" collection was about to be renamed the New Look by Snow herself - and that it would change the face of fashion for ever.
Nigel Cawthorne's book places the New Look in its context, explaining why the swish of vast skirts, or the sight of tiny waists and softly tailored jackets caused fashion editors to weep with joy.
If you are interested in the progress of fashion throughout the early part of this century The Dior Revolution will explain it all to you in a comprehensible, entertaining and visual way from the politics in fashion throughout the Second World War, to the effect the New Look had on architecture and design.
The text is interspersed with profiles on the likes of Chanel and Man Ray and includes explanations on the key trends that suffused the era, such as surrealism.
MR
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments