The little black dress: a 1920's fashion by Coco Chanel

The little black dress, simply known as LBD or TBD (tiny black dress), is a classic fashion staple that completes every woman's wardrobe. It is an essential item that not only fashionistas should have. This is especially true at times when you feel like you do not have anything to wear. Your little black dress plus some stylish innovation becomes your saving grace.

As a woman's best friend season after season, the LBD should be as simple, yet elegant, as possible. It should not necessarily be trendy; else, it may look outdated the next time you wear it. Clean lines and plain fabric are your best bet. This will render endless possibilities of creating different looks for different occasions.

For instance, wear it with a blazer and you are set for daytime office work. Pair with bold jewelry and you are ready for an evening gala. Mix it with today's accessories and you are in with current fad. Plus, it is so easy to accent it with your favorite colors.

"You should always own a black dress because no one ever remembers a black dress."
~Eleanor Roosevelt

Black dress on sale here.

The Ford Dress by Coco Chanel

The little black dress was a revolutionary 1920s fashion statement attributed to French fashion designer Gabrielle Bonheur Coco Chanel. It was in 1926 when Chanel introduced this brainchild of hers. From the time it was published in Vogue, it remains popular up to now.

American Vogue later called it as Chanel's Ford because like Henry Ford's cars, particularly the Model T, this one-color number was such a crazy hit. It was a kind of luxury, yet so affordable and accessible to any woman.

Around the same era, New York-based fashion designer Nettie Rosenstein also designed little black dresses. Some said Rosenstein might have been the original creator of the LBD. Though unsure, this Jewish-American nevertheless popularized the elegant black hit in the United States.

In the 1930s, Chanel found her great rival, to whom she was quoted saying, "that Italian artist who makes clothes". Known for her surreal approach, designer Elsa Schiaparelli also did her occasional take on the little black dress. Schiaparelli, however, did not remain as popular as Chanel because the former's designs were said to be easily copied.

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same.”
~Coco Chanel

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
~Coco Chanel

Economy-wise, the little black dress became popular during the Great Depression and World War II. Its sleeveless design was indeed perfect during these periods of frugality.

War ended and the Ford dress also became liberating as it took the color black out of a mournful state. It was a genius innovative take by Coco Chanel. Black, the color of grief, had become a picture of elegance.

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