The New Look was a style of dress created by Christian Dior in 1947 which had come to represent the epitome of sophistication and elegance of its day.
Although initially condemned by the British Board of Trade due to the extravagant use of scarce fabric in the full skirts, its femininity and youth attracted Princess Margaret. She had one of her coats altered to suit the new style and wore her first all-out New Look suit, provided by Norman Hartnell, to the silver wedding celebrations of her parents on 26 April 1948. After Princess Margaret adopted it, the style quickly gained widespread popularity in Britain.
Princess Margaret was most prominent in the British media from the early 1950s into the 1960s. In June 1953 Picture Post ran an article entitled ‘Fashion and Princess Margaret’, which noted that ‘what she wears is News. It is seen by thousands of women in person, hundreds of thousands on news reels, millions who read the newspapers and magazines.’
Princess Margaret was considered by the public as a glamorous royal. She appeared at ease as she undertook charity events, engaging with members of the general public, and just as composed conversing with the world’s most famous celebrities.
Main image: Princess Margaret is pictured at the races at Kingston during the Royal Tour of the Caribbean, 1955. (popperfoto.co.uk)
