The story of the little black dress
The epitome of femininity, elegance and style. For years, it has occupied a special place in every woman’s wardrobe. In addition, an absolute must-have for lovers of classics and timeless trends. What are we talking about? A little black dress of course! Get to know her story!
At the beginning of the 20th century, after the end of World War I and the devastating “Spanish” flu pandemic that occurred in 1918-1919 – black symbolized mourning and was reserved only for widows. He also did not have much importance in the development of the fashion empire.
Around 1920, however, dress codes gradually changed. Women began to give up tight corsets, lace, endless layers of tulle, in favor of simple and loose cuts.
The little black dress is entering salons!
Little Black Dress triumphed in 1926, when the French designer Coco Chanel introduced it to salons and world catwalks. It premiered in American Vogue. The drawing in the prestigious magazine showed a simple, black, calf-length dress with a minimalist cut, without patterns and unnecessary decorations. It was quickly referred to as the uniform of stylish women, because with the appearance of the little black dress, a new model of a woman was born – liberated, self-confident, determined and independent. Women loved it for its universal and elegant character at the same time. In addition, the little black dress became a globally available product that could be worn by every woman, regardless of age or social position.
The little black dress became popular especially during the Great Depression, mainly for economic reasons. Hollywood film producers also contributed to its popularization, who, when using Technicolor, could always “rely on” a little black dress, because creations in this color were not distorted on the screen.
Where does the name “small” actually come from?
The little black dress was a real revolution in the world of fashion and, at the same time, in the world of women. However, “small” in the name does not mean a mini-length dress at all! This adjective points to the simplicity and moderation that women’s creations have so far lacked.
Cult “little black dress”
Despite the fact that Coco Chanel was far ahead of her time, the greatest popularity of the little black dress falls on the 50s, when such icons as Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe and Rita Hayworth began to wear it. Another breakthrough in the popularization of the little black dress came in 1961 thanks to the beautiful Audrey Hepburn, who in the film Breakfast at Tiffany’s appears in a phenomenal dress designed by Hubert de Givenchy.
The following decades brought constant evolutions of the little black dress. Styles, materials and lengths have changed. She appeared in elegant, rock, but also casual and sporty stylizations. However, regardless of the epoch, it did not change its destiny, which was the simplicity and universality of the cut.
Do you have a little black dress in your wardrobe? What do you most often combine it with? With elegant high heels, an oversize sweater, or maybe a leather biker jacket? Check also Sportalm dresses.