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| The end of wartime restrictions caused a major change in the shape of post-World War II fashion. Launched in 1947 at his Paris opening, Christian Dior's "New Look", coined by Harperšs Bazaar fashion editor Carmel Snow, shook the world of fashion. His extravagant use of fabric, tight waist and molded bust were reminiscent of the past, and mark another swing of the fashion pendulum. Dior developed a stiff synthetic net used to fill out his skirts, widely known as "Dior Net". Some found the new silhouette a symbol of prosperity while others saw the physical restrictions and requirements of fashion as a return to a less active role for women. In general, women embraced the new sophisticated design, and eagerly expanded their wardrobes collecting an outfit for every social occasion. Dior's New Look lasted only until mid-decade when a straighter, more relaxed silhouette emerged. Christian Dior brought the center of the fashion world back to Paris, where he reined the fashion world until his untimely death in 1957.
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L: Silk grosgrain. c. 1950. Museum of the Rockies Collection.
R: Sheer nylon overskirt repeats printed rayon underskirt, rayon velvet ribbon. c. 1952. Museum of the Rockies Collection.
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L: Net-backed rayon satin, elastic. c. 1950. Lent by the Collection of the Minnesota Historical Society.
R: Merry Widow Bra. Nylon, elastic, stays, hook and eye. c. 1950. Museum of the Rockies Collection.
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