1950s Designers

In the post-war 1950's, high style and fashion returned with the help of these important designers

Christian Dior

French fashion designer Christian Dior
Stanley Sherman / Stringer / Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Responsible for dramatically changing the style of the 1950s, Dior created the” new look” which used lots of fabric and exaggerated the hourglass shape of the female figure. The new look was in direct contrast to the frugal and plain styles during the war, but women and the fashion industry embraced the move back to glamour.

Cristóbal Balenciaga

Though finding glamour and drama as important as Dior, Balenciaga went in the opposite direction in his silhouettes, making them sleeker and broadening the shoulders and removing emphasis on the waist. This shape gave way to the sack dresses and tunics that became popular in the next decade.

Pierre Balmain

Balmain’s focused on femininity and elegance, creating the quintessential French style of the 1950s.

Charles James

James was most well known for his spectacular gowns, which were often copied for prom and evening wear, and featured intricate constructions and unique color combinations.

Jaques Fath

Fath had a less severe take on the “new look”, with softer hourglass curves and plunging necklines. His designs showed more skin than his contemporaries making him a favorite of the younger and more daring.