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The LBD: It’s not a dress it’s a statement

Nov 29 2011.

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Trends have come and gone but the Little Black Dress has proven to be timeless. For nearly a century this has become the favorite of run ways and red carpets. It’s every woman’s secret weapon.

Its legendary beginnings can be traced to 1926. When Coco Chanel created The “Ford” (nickname bestowed on it by American Vogue as, like Henry Ford’s Model T car this was an instant craze and only came in one colour) dress a knee- length shift in black jersey. Until then black was considered a colour of mourning and worn only at funerals. And jersey was only used for mens underwear. Chanel’s creation – with its ability to hide stains and enhance the feminine form – was a revelation.

The LBD has rooted a permanent spot in the fashion hall of fame by being famously sported by many leading ladies of Hollywood. Marilyn Monroe’s curve hugging version in Some like it hot (1959), Audrey Hepburn’s Givenchy shift in Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961) and Melanie Griffiths shoulder baring number in Working Girl (1988)in which she famously declared “I have a head a for business and a bod for sin”

There has been more than one occasion where the LBD has proven to be a femme fatale of its own. When Elizabeth Hurley decided to steal some of her then boyfriend Hugh Grants limelight she decided to do it with a Versace, sexed up with gilt pins. Just After hours of hearing her husband declare his infidelity, Princess Di turned up at the Serpentine Gallery in Christina Stambolinis “Revenge Dress” looking ravishing as ever. Kate Moss decided to announce her return as the Queen of London fashion after the birth of her daughter, in a strappy Balenciaga Dress.

There was a time when we nearly thought that the LBD was lost amidst the masculine style of the 70’s and 80’s. But in 1985 Donna Karen brought it back with a vengeance and made it a staple in every woman’s closet. It is simple yet sexy. It has magical ability to accentuate the body rather than outshine it. Stylist Amanda Wakely whose evening wear has been worn by stars such as Jennifer Lopez and Kate Winslet has always recommended to find a fab edition of it.

In an era where meat is considered fashion, can the LBD remain powerful as ever? Its best understood in the words of Wallis Simpson who understood its force too well, “When the little black dress is right, there is nothing else to wear in its place”

Princess Di in her “revenge” dress