Whether it's worn by Edith Piaf, Marilyn Monroe, Liza Minnelli, Sophia Loren or Princess Diana, the little black dress transcends trends and time. What was once worn during moments of mourning, the black dress has since become an essential piece in any women’s wardrobe.
Fashion historians ascribe the origins of the little black dress to the 1920s designs of Chanel. Gabrielle Chanel was known for her creativity, personalizing her time and redefining styles. She not only redefined the little black dress, but also the color black itself. "I imposed black", she said "it's still going strong today, for black wipes out everything else around". Chanel's simple yet elegant sheath, in black crêpe de Chine, with long, narrow sleeves, worn with a string of white pearls became a symbol of chic and sophisticated simplicity.
Fashion historians ascribe the origins of the little black dress to the 1920s designs of Chanel. Gabrielle Chanel was known for her creativity, personalizing her time and redefining styles. She not only redefined the little black dress, but also the color black itself. "I imposed black", she said "it's still going strong today, for black wipes out everything else around". Chanel's simple yet elegant sheath, in black crêpe de Chine, with long, narrow sleeves, worn with a string of white pearls became a symbol of chic and sophisticated simplicity.
"When a little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place."- The Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson.
The Duchess of Windsor, 1945, in a dress by Vionnet.
Photo uncredited, allstarpics.net
The popularity of the little black dress continued with Dior's "New Look"; a silhouette characterized by a small, nipped-in waist and full skirt reaching below mid-calf length. This new look emphasized the bust and hips, portraying the little black dress as a symbol the femme fatale.
Christian Dior's 1947 "New Look"
The most famous little black dress of the 1960's is indisputably the one designed by Hubert de Givenchy and worn by actress Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. This long sheath, sleeveless little black dress was auctioned in 2006 for £410,000, six times its original estimate.
Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's
We all remember Princess Diana's stunning and very revealing low-cut black gown, her so-called revenge dress, worn on her first public outing post Charles.
Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images
Angelina Jolie accessorized her black Elie Saab gown with Lorraine Schwartz emerald jewelry at the 2009 Oscars.
Angelina Jolie
2012: Ulyana Sergeenko rocks in black, gracefully showing off her little black dress.
"When a little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place."- The Duchess of Windsor, Wallis Simpson.
 |
The Duchess of Windsor, 1945, in a dress by Vionnet.
Photo uncredited, allstarpics.net
|
The popularity of the little black dress continued with Dior's "New Look"; a silhouette characterized by a small, nipped-in waist and full skirt reaching below mid-calf length. This new look emphasized the bust and hips, portraying the little black dress as a symbol the femme fatale.
 |
| Christian Dior's 1947 "New Look" |
The most famous little black dress of the 1960's is indisputably the one designed by Hubert de Givenchy and worn by actress Audrey Hepburn in the film Breakfast at Tiffany's. This long sheath, sleeveless little black dress was auctioned in 2006 for £410,000, six times its original estimate.
 |
| Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's |
We all remember Princess Diana's stunning and very revealing low-cut black gown, her so-called revenge dress, worn on her first public outing post Charles.
 |
| Princess Diana Archive, Getty Images |
Angelina Jolie accessorized her black Elie Saab gown with Lorraine Schwartz emerald jewelry at the 2009 Oscars.
 |
| Angelina Jolie |
2012: Ulyana Sergeenko rocks in black, gracefully showing off her little black dress.
 |
It's silhouette has changed and new variations of the dress have re-emerged over the years, but the little black dress remains supremely chic and an essential in any women's wardrobe.
“One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress.” ― Karl Lagerfeld
Yours truly,
Olga Markiza
Olga Markiza
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