If you don't have a little black dress, then you may have a closet full of clothes, but still noting to wear!
The little black dress or the LBD is that wardrobe staple that every women must have in her closet. It is something that will comfortably go from day to evening. You can be formal professional, classy, flirty and fun, all while wearing the same black dress.
The concept of the little black dress came into existence thanks to the 1920's Parisian designer, Coco Chanel, who wanted to create a style that was accessible, affordable to all women and could be worn in all scenarios. Chanel is quoted to have said "I impose black; it is going strong today, for black wipes out everything else around"
During the time of the First World War, which took place from 1914 to 1918, rationing on fabric was announced by the Government as the materials and resources were being allocated for the production of war rather than for fashion. It was also during this time that women started wearing more practical clothes; their dresses were shorter and their waists were made looser. So, while men joined the army to fight in the war, women joined the workforce to keep the economy of the country running.
Post WWI was the Great Depression. In a nutshell, the Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic global depression. This lasted from 1929 to 1933. At this time, fashion was simple and affordable and the little black dress became more and more popular. Vogue described it as 'a sort of uniform for all women of all taste'.
To really put the little black dress on the fashion map, if you will, there are some famous LBD worn by some famous faces, which needs to be mentioned when writing a blog post on the rise of the LBD.
Iconic Little Black Dresses
Audrey Hepburn
When thinking of a LBD, many people's minds go back to Audrey Hepburn in a black number.
Audrey Hepburn wore the black dress, designed by Givenchy for her character, Holly Golightly in the iconic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961).
Interesting tidbit - Marilyn Monroe was thought of when the script for Breakfast at Tiffany's was being written. However, it was later decided that the role would be given to Audrey Hepburn as it was making Marilyn be more typecast.
Princess Diana
If you grew up in the 1990's in Britain, you would know all about Princess Diana. She was married to Prince Charles and they did not have the best marriage.
Princess Diana and Prince Charles divorced in 1992 after 11 years of being together.
There is a lot to Diana's story; to keep it concise, she was unhappy. After the divorce, she regained her freedom and decided to live life on her terms.
She famously wore the black dress to a party at London's Serpentine Gallery for a party. This dress was designed by Christina Stamboulian and it was later dubbed the ‘revenge dress’. The day that Diana wore this dress was the same day that Prince Charles publicly announced his affair to Camilla Parker Bowles.
Liz Hurley
There was a time when Liz Hurley was dating Hugh Grant.
Hugh had asked Liz to accompany him to the premier of Four Weddings and a Funeral (1996).
And join him she did in an eye catching black dress, designed by Gianni Versace. The most iconic thing about the dress is safety pins on either side and the plunging neckline. The dress hugged Liz's curves beautifully and became known as 'the dress'.
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