Learning through objects from the Islington Education Library Service’s handling collection
Woman's Dior Dress, 1962, Original
Glamour and fashion! French designer Christian Dior made a big impact with his first collection in 1947, which introduced dresses with narrow pulled-in waists and very full skirts. This style was quickly named the "New Look" as it appeared just after the end of World War II, when Europe was still in the grip of rationing. Dior's New Look thrilled some people and outraged others who thought that using so much fabric in times of rationing was irresponsible.
The garment shown here is quite restrained compared to some, which were said to have skirts that took up 14 metres of fabric. This garment is strapless, with a tulle, boned bodice and cream silk underskirt covered with one layer of black tulle. There is a label in the bodice: Automne-Hiver 1962 Christian Dior Paris. Made in France. The separate skirt is made of three layers of black tulle, or netting, and is mid-calf in length.
The garment shown here is quite restrained compared to some, which were said to have skirts that took up 14 metres of fabric. This garment is strapless, with a tulle, boned bodice and cream silk underskirt covered with one layer of black tulle. There is a label in the bodice: Automne-Hiver 1962 Christian Dior Paris. Made in France. The separate skirt is made of three layers of black tulle, or netting, and is mid-calf in length.
Glamour and fashion! French designer Christian Dior made a big impact with his first collection in 1947, which introduced dresses with narrow pulled-in waists and very full skirts. This style was quickly named the "New Look" as it appeared just after the end of World War II, when Europe was still in the grip of rationing. Dior's New Look thrilled some people and outraged others who thought that using so much fabric in times of rationing was irresponsible.
The garment shown here is quite restrained compared to some, which were said to have skirts that took up 14 metres of fabric. This garment is strapless, with a tulle, boned bodice and cream silk underskirt covered with one layer of black tulle. There is a label in the bodice: Automne-Hiver 1962 Christian Dior Paris. Made in France. The separate skirt is made of three layers of black tulle, or netting, and is mid-calf in length.
The garment shown here is quite restrained compared to some, which were said to have skirts that took up 14 metres of fabric. This garment is strapless, with a tulle, boned bodice and cream silk underskirt covered with one layer of black tulle. There is a label in the bodice: Automne-Hiver 1962 Christian Dior Paris. Made in France. The separate skirt is made of three layers of black tulle, or netting, and is mid-calf in length.
