The revolutionary "New Look", presented by Christian Dior in 1946

Timeless and revolutionary are words that are thrown around a lot nowadays, but it is purely subjective. Christian Dior's "New Look" changed the way women dress in the post-war era, as a reaction to the perceived limit and angular strangulation that predecessors such as Mademoiselle Chanel put on women's fashion. It's true, Chanel brought a freedom to women through fashion, but when there's someone good, there's always someone that's going to be greater. Not to discredit the monumental contribution Chanel gave to fashion, Dior happened to be the person to change it once again. It translates today with Raf Simons' direction of the Dior label, brining the revolutionary minimalist aesthetic of the designer.

Coat by Yohji Yamamoto (1983)

SS83 Dress by Yohji Yamamoto

As time progressed, the cycle continued, as Yohji Yamamoto stepped up and metaphorically said "This is not how it should be", through his 1981 debut collection in the fashion capital of Paris. Yohji brought a look that addressed the influence of Eastern culture on Western fashion, and vice versa, sending the fashion industry into an uproar for his (then) outrageous designs. His approach to fashion has led the way for other Asian fashion designers to come to the forefront, including the already renowned Kenzo Takada and the modern favourites Phillip Lim and Alexander Wang.

Zeile Cocktail Dress by Christian Dior (1954)

Jacques Heim fashion illustration, 1949

These powerhouse designers have brought two very movements to the fashion world, and the few select pieces that had an undoubtable effect on fashion in the masses are currently exhibited at The National Gallery of Victoria until 28 July 2013, called "Dior & Yamamoto: The New Look"

For more details on the exhibition and entry free, CLICK HERE

Images courtesy of the National Gallery of Victoria, Art Base and Fashion Journal