KCIDigital Archives

The KCI Digital Archives on the KCI website presents image and text information for the objects in the collection, arranged in chronological order.

Coat Dress

© The Kyoto Costume Institute, photo by Takashi Hatakeyama

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Coat Dress

Autumn/Winter 1947

Designer
Christian Dior
Brand
Christian Dior
Label
none
Material
Dark Green velvet; cuffs of leopard skin; gold thread, sequin and bead embroidery on bodice and pockets; black suede belt.
Inventory Number(s)
AC10425 2001-1-1AB

This garment represents a development for Christian Dior who made his dramatic debut in the previous season with his New Look collection. The combination of wild leopard skin and elegant silhouette creates an unexpectedly harmonious look.
The New Look - Dior’s nostalgic and elegant first collection featuring soft shoulders, a narrow waist and a full skirt - was the polar opposite of the austere clothing worn by women during the Second World War. The New Look, which heralded an era of peace, became an international success and went on to define fashion in the 50s. Dior also succeeded in restoring Paris as the center of fashion, with the city becoming, once again, the forerunner of fashion around the world.

1940s