The Little Black Dress

When Coco Chanel designed the first 'little black dress' in 1926 she broke all the fashion rules. Until then, black was only worn when in mourning, or by nuns.

The fabric she used broke yet another rule, as before then jersey was only used for men's underwear!

But the dress was a huge success and became the uniform for any woman of taste. The simple classic style and the ease of wear, made this dress irresistible for busy working women, and designers like Lanvin and Patou found that their elabourate designs became less and less popular.

But did Coco Channel realise that her design would have such an impact on womens fashion, and that we would be still wearing the little black dress today, albeit with a few adjustments to the design?

After Chanel's dress was featured in American Vogue it became hugely popular, and remained so through the Great Depression, because it was economical and so easy to wear.

In 1960 Audrey Hepburn increased the popularity of the little black dress even more after she wore a simple classic black shift dress designed by Givenchy, in the film Breakfast At Tiffany's.

This iconic image of Audrey Hepburn is still known as an image of classic beauty, even today fifty years later, that little black dress has really stood the test of time!