The Little Black Dress (History)

After watching this video during my fashion class’s Little Black Dress seminar, I was inspired to share a little bit of what I have learned. In 1926, Coco Chanel created the concept of the Little Black Dress.  Before this time period, black was mainly worn by people who were in mourning. After World War 1 black became more commonly worn, since many people were grieving the loss of loved ones. Noticing this trend, Coco Chanel designed a simple black dress that was published in Vogue magazine. Women loved the idea of this simple black dress since it was practical. Many women had been working in factories and doing men’s work during and after the war, and needed attire that was suited for these conditions. The Little Black Dress was dark enough to cover any dirt the women accumulated during the day, and was easily accessible to every social class.  Vogue described Chanel’s LBD as “Chanel’s Ford”, comparing it to the Model T which was also simple and accessible.  Vogue predicted the LBD would be ‘a sort of uniform for all women of taste’.

Today the LBD is a classic piece that almost every woman owns. It can transform any women from ordinary to elegant, and has been worn by many style icons over the years including; Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Kate Moss, and Princess Diana. The LBD started off as practical wear, and turned into a trademark for sophistication. Thanks Coco Chanel!