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The little black dress: a 1920s fashion innovation by Coco Chanel
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The little black dress, simply known as LBD or TBD (tiny black dress), is a classic fashion staple that completes every woman's wardrobe. It is an essential item that not only fashionistas should have. This is especially true at times when you feel like you do not have anything to wear. Your little black dress plus some stylish innovation becomes your saving grace.
As a woman's best friend season after season, the LBD should be as simple, yet elegant, as possible. It should not necessarily be trendy; else, it may look outdated the next time you wear it. Clean lines and plain fabric are your best bet. This will render endless possibilities of creating different looks for different occasions.
For instance, wear it with a blazer and you are set for daytime office work. Pair it with bold jewelry and you are ready for an evening gala. Mix it with today's accessories and you are in with current fad. Plus, it is so easy to accent with your favorite colors."You should always own a black dress because no one ever remembers a black dress."
~Eleanor Roosevelt
The Ford Dress by Coco Chanel
The little black dress was a revolutionary 1920s fashion statement attributed to French fashion designer Gabrielle Bonheur Coco Chanel. It was in 1926 when Chanel introduced this brainchild of hers. From the time it was published in Vogue, it remains popular up to now.
American Vogue later called it as Chanel's Ford because like Henry Ford's cars, particularly the Model T, this one-color number was such a crazy hit. It was a kind of luxury, yet so affordable and accessible to any woman.
Around the same era, New York-based fashion designer Nettie Rosenstein also designed little black dresses. Some said Rosenstein might have been the original creator of the LBD. Though unsure, this Jewish-American nevertheless popularized the elegant black hit in the United States.
In the 1930s, Chanel found her great rival, to whom she was quoted saying, "that Italian artist who makes clothes". Known for her surreal approach, designer Elsa Schiaparelli also did her occasional take on the little black dress. Schiaparelli, however, did not remain as popular as Chanel because the former's designs were said to be easily copied.
Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
~Coco Chanel
“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
~Coco Chanel
Economy-wise, the little black dress became popular during the Great Depression and World War II. Its sleeveless design was indeed perfect during these periods of frugality.
War ended and the Ford dress also became liberating as it took the color black out of a mournful state. It was a genius innovative take by Coco Chanel. Black, the color of grief, had become a picture of elegance.
The Little Black Dress in Hollywood
Hollywood movie world was (and still is) such an institution when it comes to fashion. Thanks to cinema, the little black dress became more widely known and admired by women who also loved its wearer.
Audrey Hepburn's dresses in Sabrina were remarkable pieces that earned costume designer Edith Head another Oscar Award in 1954. Although Sabrina necklines are credited to Head, Hepburn's black ensemble was actually designed by Hubert de Givenchy.
Hepburn made another lasting impression in the 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany's. Her character is a picture of timeless elegance - Holly Golightly in a black sleeveless dress, chunky pearls and oversized sunglasses, in front of Tiffany's.
In Talkartoon, a skimpier LBD was originally worn by curvaceous cartoon Betty Boop until she was colorized.
The 60's It Girl, Edie Sedgwick, one of Andy Warhol’s muse, frequently pictured in a little black dress.
The Versatile LBD, Always Chanel, Always in Style
Elizabeth Hurley in Versace's safety pin dress during the London premiere of Hugh Grant’s Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994
There have been so many variations made for the little black dress - some very minimal, some to the extreme. It could be the simplest unadorned black sheath on Betty Boop or Versace's safety pin dress on Elizabeth Hurley. Again, the possibilities are endless. But however it is presented, designed and re-invented, the classic staple will always be known as the Coco Chanel-inspired little black dress, her Ford dress.
Very versatile and always in style, this is one piece you can never go wrong. It is a very good investment. So if you do not have one yet, go ahead and purchase your little black dress now!
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References:
Wikipedia
Papier Doll
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