Dinner ensemble

Christian Dior|House of Dior

fall/winter 1949–50 · silk · Costume Institute

Although Christian Dior had not yet designed a collection under his own name in 1947, he drew upon his experiences as a fashion illustrator and design assistant to create his first collection. Dior called it the "Corolle Line" but editors immediately dubbed it "The New Look" collection and their praise launched Dior's career. This dress shows how Dior remained committed to "The New Look" into the 1950s. As in garments from his first collection, the fullness of the skirt here has been dropped to the hip with a yoke to allow for a nipped waist. The narrow waist is emphasized with a self belt, another Dior hallmark. The bouffant skirts Dior championed had a lasting impact on 1950s fashions and inspired countless imitations.

Artist

Christian Dior|House of Dior

Date

fall/winter 1949–50

Medium

silk

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Mrs. William Randolph Hearst, Jr., 1975