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| Audrey Hepburn wearing A little black dress by Hubert De Givenchy, in Breakfast at Tiffany's |
Now this is a piece you all have, or must get! A true symbol of versatility, as I 've mentioned in several guides of mine, as it truly can be worn with nearly anything a woman could own. But
how, when and why did it appear?
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| 20s Flapper, in lace LBD |
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| Chanel's sketch showcased in Vogue |
Let's take things from where they started. Back in 1914 World War I broke out and most women lost their soul mates at war. Since black is the official mourning color, it was very common back then to see widows walking out of their houses dressed in total black. But it wasn't until 1926 that the LBD became a fashion statement, when Vogue showcased a sketch of it by Coco Chanel with a logo "A short of uniform for all woman of taste". It was even linked to the Model-T Ford, which is why they also called it "Chanel's Ford". The people of the industry loved it, new, contemporary, perfect for the flapper woman who would rule during the 1920s. With a short skirt, long sleeves and diagonal detailing women loved it as well, being bored of the long and very loose dresses of Paul Poiret that engrossed the 1910s. It was at last time for some sexiness and adoration of the classic look that showed some skin!! Not to mention the costume jewellery a woman could easily combine with it, with pearls taking the lead especially in the 20s. Of course the fact that it was quite inexpensive to buy played its role, and who can foresee the elegance it brought in any kind of femme. Then came the 50s and "The New Look" of Dior, and the classicism of that era made the LBD worn by strong and independent women that were not afraid of society's judgement. 1961 and Breakfast at Tiffany's comes out. Hubert De Givenchy, an upcoming legend of fashion dressed Audrey Hepburn with his own version of the LBD which is the one that remains until now with a few alterations. The come back was really intense and no one could deny it. Christian Dior, basic competitor of both Givenchy and Chanel could not help but admit : 'You can wear black at any hour of the day or night, at any age and for any occasion. A little black dress is the essential thing any woman's wardrobe'. Finally the grunge style of the 90s introduced a more effortless and laid back version, worn with boots or even sandals.
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| Coco Chanel, "Mother" of the LBD. |
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| Aydrey Hepburn in Givenchy |
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| Grunge LBD of hte 90s |
A little black dress, a not so little history..
Yours,
Leonidas Villano
