All Americans were called upon to make sacrifices during WWII. Rationing was the order of the day, and one might be astounded to learn of the restrictions placed on even the garment industry. But, they were spelled out quite clearly. No more than a 2” hem, no belt over 2” wide, no shawls allowed, nor attached hoods. Women were encouraged to wear a “good little suit” for every occasion that might arise.
And as one might expect, after the war was finally won, after these four hard years of sacrifices, women had simply had enough of these garment rations and were ready for a sea of fabric to rain upon them. Designer, Christian Dior, was ready and waiting to give these women what they had so long been deprived of. He designed a “New Look”, which offered seemingly mountains of fabrics incorporated in these designs which didn’t even remotely resemble a “good little suit”
Of course, women were practically prepared to burn their existing wardrobe and adorn their bodies with this coveted New Look, but few could afford the designs of Christian Dior. But like any expensive clothing item, it wasn’t long before the knock-offs emerged and, by 1941, a reasonable replica of an authentic Dior could be had for the post-war friendly price of only $19.99.
And as one might expect, after the war was finally won, after these four hard years of sacrifices, women had simply had enough of these garment rations and were ready for a sea of fabric to rain upon them. Designer, Christian Dior, was ready and waiting to give these women what they had so long been deprived of. He designed a “New Look”, which offered seemingly mountains of fabrics incorporated in these designs which didn’t even remotely resemble a “good little suit”
Of course, women were practically prepared to burn their existing wardrobe and adorn their bodies with this coveted New Look, but few could afford the designs of Christian Dior. But like any expensive clothing item, it wasn’t long before the knock-offs emerged and, by 1941, a reasonable replica of an authentic Dior could be had for the post-war friendly price of only $19.99.
