Inspired by utilitarian uniforms of maids and shop-girls, Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress in the 1920s, now informally the ‘LBD.’ At the time, Vogue magazine likened its invention to that of the Model T. Rechristened the “cocktail dress” in the 1950s, it was immortalized in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Audrey Hepburn, who accessorized it with sunglasses and a martini. She made the little black dress sophisticated and playful – the essence of charm.
Its color is the foundation for its success.
Black:
- Hides stains
- Detracts from poor tailoring and general wear
- Goes well with color
- Even the cheapest of fabrics look decent in black
- It dresses up
- Can be elegant, classic, sexy, funky, or mournful
- Imparts timelessness
- Has an impressive pedigree – Nuns, Audrey Hepburn, Beatniks, Morticia Adams, and the uniform of fashion editors worldwide
- Can do summer or winter
- Unique ability to stand out, blend in, seduce, or repel
What other color can do all this and take off ten pounds?
The embodiment of sophistication, simplicity, versatility, and timelessness, the well-fitting black dress is one of the few pieces you will never give away.
The LBD gets a long awaited update this season, reincarnated in split-skirted, leather embellished, belted, and tuxedo-inspired forms. There is a lot to choose from. You can’t go wrong with a beautifully tailored little black dress.
To quote Karl Lagerfeld:
“One is never over-dressed or under-dressed with A Little Black Dress.”
Amaryllis Mock Neck Dress, $138
Sustainable fashion from Amour Vert
Nicole Miller – Lauren Ponte Dress, $275
Black Leather Talia Dress, $275
It’s a splurge… but it’s timeless leather, and made by Worth which we know is well made.
Maggie London Illusion Black Dress, $148
Trina Turk Covelo Black Crepe Dress, $258
Antonette Silk Crepe de Chine Midi Shirt Dress, DVF $448
Vera Wang Draped Midi Dress, $1500
