2008 Woodie Awards
Still a Classic: The Little Black Dress
Kate Susa
Issue date: 10/31/07 Section: Lifestyle
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It has been called timeless, elegant, and foolproof; the most classic design of the century. Every woman wants one. Some women spend years looking for the right one. Do you know what it is? It is the little black dress and for 80 years it has been the staple of a woman's wardrobe. Going out for a night on the town? Throw on the little black dress. Holiday party coming up? Better have the little black dress on hand. Need to make an impression during a business presentation or interview? Keep it simple with the little black dress. For years women have clung to the simplistic elegance and versatility of the "LBD." But where did it come from? And how did it quickly scale the fashion ranks to become one of the most sought after garments in fashion history?
The story of the little black dress starts in 1926 when renowned designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel created a dress so contrary to what was on the current scene, it caught everyone's attention. Simply cut and well tailored, the original design was hailed as the perfect blank canvas to highlight gaudy and extravagant accessories. Contrary to the decorative flapper dresses, and elegant beaded formals, Chanel's simplistic design focused on a quieter more subtle elegance. Black, which had previously been reserved for funerals and other somber events, was brought into a new light; and designers everywhere began to design their own interpretations.
The popularity of the little black dress quickly spread, aided by a coincidental series of events. With the introduction of Technicolor, mass media relied heavily on the LBD in movies and on television because other colors distorted on the screen. During World War I and World War II, pressure on the textile industry encouraged the production of the little black dress, whose clean lines, and relative simplicity made them easier and cheaper to produce. Thus, it quickly became the common uniform of the working woman.
Overtime, generational differences caused new interpretations and spin-offs of the LBD to develop as well. In the 1960s, younger generations modified the classic design, shortening the skirt considerably and experimenting with more revealing fabrics, and strategically placed slits. At the same time, older generations clung to the more traditional, classic tailoring like Audrey Hepburn's outfit in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." When disco fever hit in the 1970s, black was traded out for more vibrant colors. However, while it was not big in the pop scene many women still kept one or two in reserve for more conservative social engagements.
The 80s and 90s saw a resurgence of little black dresses. Perhaps the most recognized figure was Princess Diana, who donned an LBD when appearing publicly for the first time after her divorce from Prince Charles; whose elegance in black was matched only by earlier icons such as Jackie Onnasis. Of course the LBD has seen its fair share of scandal as well. Do not forget it was Monica Lewinsky's little black dress that ended up being a key piece of evidence during the investigation of former President Clinton.
All in all, it is classic. It is timeless. It is a trusty friend to call on in a time of fashion crisis. The new millennium shows nothing but promise for this wardrobe staple. Black is not back…it never left.
The story of the little black dress starts in 1926 when renowned designer Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel created a dress so contrary to what was on the current scene, it caught everyone's attention. Simply cut and well tailored, the original design was hailed as the perfect blank canvas to highlight gaudy and extravagant accessories. Contrary to the decorative flapper dresses, and elegant beaded formals, Chanel's simplistic design focused on a quieter more subtle elegance. Black, which had previously been reserved for funerals and other somber events, was brought into a new light; and designers everywhere began to design their own interpretations.
The popularity of the little black dress quickly spread, aided by a coincidental series of events. With the introduction of Technicolor, mass media relied heavily on the LBD in movies and on television because other colors distorted on the screen. During World War I and World War II, pressure on the textile industry encouraged the production of the little black dress, whose clean lines, and relative simplicity made them easier and cheaper to produce. Thus, it quickly became the common uniform of the working woman.
Overtime, generational differences caused new interpretations and spin-offs of the LBD to develop as well. In the 1960s, younger generations modified the classic design, shortening the skirt considerably and experimenting with more revealing fabrics, and strategically placed slits. At the same time, older generations clung to the more traditional, classic tailoring like Audrey Hepburn's outfit in "Breakfast at Tiffany's." When disco fever hit in the 1970s, black was traded out for more vibrant colors. However, while it was not big in the pop scene many women still kept one or two in reserve for more conservative social engagements.
The 80s and 90s saw a resurgence of little black dresses. Perhaps the most recognized figure was Princess Diana, who donned an LBD when appearing publicly for the first time after her divorce from Prince Charles; whose elegance in black was matched only by earlier icons such as Jackie Onnasis. Of course the LBD has seen its fair share of scandal as well. Do not forget it was Monica Lewinsky's little black dress that ended up being a key piece of evidence during the investigation of former President Clinton.
All in all, it is classic. It is timeless. It is a trusty friend to call on in a time of fashion crisis. The new millennium shows nothing but promise for this wardrobe staple. Black is not back…it never left.
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