The Little Black Dress: A Century of Timeless Elegance

Published Sunday, May 14, 2023     By Melissa Harper

Audrey Hepburn in a little black dress

The Little Black Dress, or LBD as it’s fondly known, is not just a garment; it’s an emblem of style, a testament to the power of simplicity, and a reflection of cultural shifts over the decades. Let’s delve deeper into the captivating journey of this iconic dress, tracing its evolution from Coco Chanel’s vision to its modern-day incarnations.

1920s – The Birth of the LBD

In a post-war world, Coco Chanel envisioned a dress that was both practical and elegant. The 1926 edition of Vogue featured a sketch of Chanel’s simple black dress, a stark contrast to the era’s ornate fashion. This was a dress that promised affordability and accessibility, much like the Model T Ford car, hence the moniker “Chanel’s Ford.” It was the beginning of a new era in fashion, where simplicity reigned supreme.

Next