"Mystère"
The standing of French haute couture was diminished by World War II, which forced many fashion houses to close. During the subsequent occupation, designers faced material shortages and restrictions on fabric usage; accordingly, fashionable dress took on a narrow silhouette and a relatively short skirt. Following the war, it was Christian Dior’s first collection, in spring 1947 that heralded the renewed dominance of Parisian couture. He launched a silhouette defined by a full bust, wasp waist, padded hip, and full, long skirt, which was dubbed the “New Look” by Carmel Snow, editor of Harper’s Bazaar. The iconic “New Look” set the direction for fashion in the following decade and has remained a source of inspiration for the house’s designers.
Artwork Details
- Title: "Mystère"
- Design House: House of Dior (French, founded 1946)
- Designer: Christian Dior (French, Granville 1905–1957 Montecatini)
- Date: fall/winter 1947–48
- Culture: French
- Medium: wool, silk
- Credit Line: Gift of Irene Stone, in memory of her daughter, Mrs. Ethel S. Greene, 1959
- Object Number: C.I.59.26.2
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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Multiple artists/makers
fall/winter 1961–62
House of Dior
Marc Bohan
1980s
House of Dior
Christian Dior
spring/summer 1955
House of Dior
Gianfranco Ferré
spring/summer 1993
House of Dior
Gianfranco Ferré
1990–97
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