Timeless Fashion: The Little Black Dress
Within the fashion industry, there is an ever-alternating pattern of trends rotating throughout the decades. Pieces are “in” suddenly, and “out” just as quickly, leaving consumers searching for the next best thing. However, there are a few key pieces everyone tends to have in their wardrobe that never go out of style. For example, a classic white tee, a pair of black heels, a perfect pair of denim, etc., are all items that may be used as the basis for a variety of outfits, no matter the occasion. Also included in this list is the famous Little Black Dress, a huge part of fashion history and a timeless classic.
In 1926, an illustration of a simple black dress with long, narrow sleeves was published by American Vogue. The message of the publication was that the newly-dubbed “LBD” was a simple garment accessible to all women, regardless of their social class. Created by Parisian designer Coco Chanel, this spin on the classic cocktail dress became known as ‘Chanel’s Ford’, signifying that it would be as common and affordable as Ford’s model-T car. The dress was released during the time of the Great Depression when affordable options for textiles were of special importance. Textiles and fabrics had to be rationed later during the war, and the LBD remained a staple piece due to its elegance and budget-friendly price tag.
One of the most famous presentations of the Little Black Dress occurred in the 1961 movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. In this iconic film, actress Audrey Hepburn’s LBD was finely crafted by the Paris couturier Hubert de Givenchy. Paired with a statement pearl necklace and long black gloves, the garment mimics that of the Vogue illustration published 35 years prior. The Givenchy piece showcased in this film has rightfully earned its title as one of the most famous and recognizable garments in cinematic history.
Since the early 1900s, the LBD has seen decades of modifications and alterations to fit the decade. The classic party dress was classified as a sheath dress in the 60s. In the 80s, it featured shoulder pads and pouf accents. With the emergence of the 90s and into the new millennium, it transformed into the simple, minimalist slip dress we still see today. Its versatility allows it to be styled down with a pair of crisp sneakers and a shoulder bag, or take on the posh look of Hepburn with pearl accessories and a sleek updo. Other renditions of the LBD designed by Cristóbal Balenciaga and Yves Saint Laurent are still at the center of the fashion landscape today. Previous versions of the LBD such as these are constantly being modified to fit the current fashion climate by reimagining the fabric’s cut and thinking about innovative ways for the piece to be worn.
Questions have arisen in regards to whether the Little Black Dress is a convenient option for those who have exhausted other outfit choices, or whether it presents the perfect opportunity to create a look with a basic garment that has endless opportunities for accessorization. Truthfully, the LBD is both of these things at the same time. As Stella McCartney likes to put it, “The little black dress is something to rely on -- to fill you with confidence and ease.” For almost a century, the Little Black Dress has truly proven its place in the fashion world, and it will continue to be a classy, timeless garment for years to come.
