Christian Dior's New Look: History and Influence of an Iconic Style

A look back at the groundbreaking impact of Dior's 'New Look'

Christian Dior's New Look: History and Influence of an Iconic Style

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On February 12, 1947, Christian Dior revolutionized fashion with a single runway show. His "Corolle" collection—with its cinched waist, rounded shoulders, and voluminous skirts—shattered the postwar austerity and redefined femininity for decades. This aesthetic shock continues to influence every Dior collection today.

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A style that broke with the codes of post-war fashion

Quickly acclaimed by the press—notably by Carmel Snow, editor-in-chief of Harper's Bazaar, who reportedly exclaimed, "It's such a new look!"—this style became iconic and established Dior as a key player in haute couture. More than just a trend, the New Look had a lasting influence on fashion and inspired generations of designers. Its elegant and sophisticated codes have been revisited by Dior's successors, from Marc Bohan to Gianfranco Ferré, including John Galliano, Raf Simons, and Maria Grazia Chiuri.

The essential pieces from the Dior New Look

Two key items perfectly embody the essence of the New Look:

  • The "Bar" Jacket: recognizable by its rounded shoulders, notched collar and fitted waist, it sculpts the silhouette with elegance and becomes an absolute reference in terms of feminine cut.
  • The "Chérie" Dress: a symbol of elegance and femininity, it is distinguished by its slanted sleeves, raised bust and flared skirt, ideal for special occasions.

Where can I find authentic Dior New Look pieces?

At Reench, you can find modern versions of these iconic creations — such as the preloved Dior Navy Blue Dress or the preloved Dior "Bar" Suede Jacket — carefully appraised and accompanied by a Reench Certificate of Authenticity.

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