Is the Little Black Dress Still the Little Black Dress?

FASHION

IS THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS STILL THE LITTLE BLACK DRESS?

WORDS

by KRISTOPHER FRASER

PHOTOGRAPHY

by TATIJANA SHOAN

Quality denim, a classic blazer, a trusty work tote, these are all things a good woman’s wardrobe are made of. However, let’s not forget one of the longest standing pieces of a ladies’ wardrobe: the Little Black Dress, or LBD.

There’s dispute as to when exactly the Little Black Dress first began its rise to popularity and wardrobe must-have status. Fashion historians have attributed the origins of the Little Black Dress to the 1920s designs of Coco Chanel and Jean Patou. The dress is seen as the most versatile, accessible, and ubiquitous dresses possible.

In 1926, Chanel published a picture of a black dress in American Vogue, and the magazine dubbed it Chanel’s Ford, in reference to the Ford Model T, which was regarded as the world’s first affordable automobile. Vogue said it would become “a sort of uniform for all women of taste.”

With trends coming and going, somehow the little black dress has managed to hold on like an immortal goddess among common men. What has made the wardrobe staple still such a staple though?

For starters, the LBD made icon status when Audrey Hepburn wore a black dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy himself when she won her Academy Award for the film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. The little black dress then became a staple for women all across America, who saw it as the most classic fashion statement that could work for many occasions.

The LBD expanded beyond its evening wear status to include everything from a suiting dress to a sun dress. To date, it’s still the easiest cop out for those not thinking too hard about what they want to wear, and among the streets of New York City, the little black dress is a wardrobe staple (head-to-toe black is the mark of a New Yorker after all.)

“The little black dresses’ ability to withstand the test of time also lies within the fact it’s one of the few things suitable to every body type.”

The little black dresses’ ability to withstand the test of time also lies within the fact it’s one of the few things suitable to every body type. It can be worn by women from a size 00 to 24. While many other wardrobe staples like the jumpsuit and the button up shirt are less versatile, the little black dress is suitable for any and all occasions. It is the type of dress most accessible to the widest market possible, that can be both dressed up and dressed down.

It is not unheard of to see the little black dress with a pair of sneakers and sunglasses, or with a set of pearls and high heels. There’s yet to be another piece of ready-to-wear that has come along in history with such versatility and embrace.

The LBD underwent a mod transformation during the 1960s where the skirt was hiked short, while cutouts and slits were created in the bodice. In the 1990s as grunge was on the rise, the LBD began to be paired with combat boots. Princess Diana wore a black dress by Christina Stambolia in 1994 that became known as “The Revenge Dress”, as it was the dress she wore the night the documentary revealing Prince Charles' affair with Camilla Parker Bowles debuted.

Even after all these years, the little black dress still manages to be one of the subtlest statement making pieces of all time. It’s timeless, elegant, and black will always be black. It’s a fashion necessity that can take you around the world. Never underestimate a good LBD, darling. She’s one of the most immortal things you’ll ever know.

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