Chanel's Little Black Dress: Dare To Wear Black?

Chanel's first design of the LBD

In the old days, the color black was only to be worn in the effect of mourning or surprisingly by Widows, who were supposed to wear it to show their " bereavement and marital status" (1). Some people today still think of the color black as a sad  and unattractive color to be worn as a simple little black dress. Well let me just say times are different now, and the color black is seen as a classic and timeless color. I couldn't agree more with that statement. In my opinion, the color black matches with anything. It is a perfect mysterious color for an evening outfit and an accent color for daytime wear. Frankly, I had the same thoughts as Coco Chanel did back in the day. It is funny how fashion truly evolves in a circle.

Gothic Style

A timeless example will forever be Chanel's Little Black Dress (LBD). This iconic item all started by the one and only Coco Chanel herself back in 1926. In this year, she came out with her first design of a Little Black Dress known as "Chanel (Module T) Ford"(1). It was a very elegant dress with slim v-cuts and unique outlines. The color black soon became an accent color for accessories and shoes.  In 1962, this style dress was promoted by Vogue Magazine which than was a must have in every women's closet. Also, Chanel's LBD was used in "Dior's New Look" promotion in the 1950s, as a significance of richness and dangerous women fashion statements (1). People of that era started wearing more risky ensembles, which helped evolve this item in time. In the 50's and 60's, the color black was interpreted as "the old dangerous and rebel style" (1), which as still stuck in our time today with Punk rock bands and Gothic fashion senses.

"Little Black Skirt Era" worn by actress Hayden Panettiere  

The LBD inspired by Chanel has evolved in so many styles, shapes and forms. It has been an inspiration to all women in the world who dare to wear black as a bold statement in the fashion world today. It has also evolved into men's fashion as well. This means that BLACK has become a nation wide fashion sense, which makes sense because have you ever walked into a store and not seen the color black as an option for a shirt or skirt color? I do not think so!! In this day and age, we are living in the "Little Black Skirt Era", where women throw on a colorful shirt tucked into a timeless black colored pencil skirt. This is just one of the many ways the LBD has evolved.

 In my opinion ladies and gents, I'm all about the classy look.  You will not only find one black shirt in my closet, you will  find about 20 of them ! I am a firm believer that black is timeless and matches with anything. And, yes I do own a little black dress that comes out on those fancy evening nights. I believe every woman should have one LBD to show their youthfulness and to travel back in time in style.


I'd love to hear your take on this topic........ Is the color black a must-have or a no-no in your closet? Add your opinions in the comment box!! Till next time fashionistas!!  








(1) : http://www.cocktailrevolution.net.au/more/your-say/90-2013/145-the-little-black-dress