For the first time, the collections of American designers are more extensive than those of the French.

1941
Textiles and clothing are rationed in Britain; by the end of the year, silk stockings are unobtainable in Europe.

1942
The British government introduces and promotes the Utility Clothing Scheme, a line of clothing made with as little fabric as possible and sold tax-free at a fixed price.

"Occupation Styles" appear on the streets of Paris, as Lucien Lelong, the President of the Chambre Syndicale de la Couture, resists German pressure to move the couture industry to Berlin.

1943
The U.S. government passes the L 85 Restrictions, limiting the use of wool and silk in clothing manufacture.

1944
Liberation of Paris.

1945
The Chambre Syndicale organizes The Theatre of Fashion, an exhibition of dolls dressed by Parisian couturiers to benefit French war relief.

1946
The Theatre of Fashion exhibition tours Europe and America.

The introduction of the bikini in Paris follows closely upon American atomic tests on the Bikini atoll in the South Pacific.

1947
Christian Dior's début collection is dubbed the "New Look" by the American fashion press.

1948
As Dior tours the United States, American women protest the New Look's longer hemlines.