The History of the Little Black Dress

Black death, black Friday, black hand, blackout, black magic, in the black and, most importantly, the little black dress. Most women have a little black dress somewhere in their closet. The great thing about the little black dress is that it can be worn by any woman and it never seems to go out of style. One reason might be because in its simplicity the little black dress can transform any woman into someone who is elegant and chic. Described as chameleon like and having the ability to evolve through fashion trends and time, is another reason the little black dress is such an essential to most women's wardrobes.

In 1954, Christian Dior said, "You can wear black at any time. You can wear black at any age. You may wear it on almost any occasion. A little black frock is essential to a woman." But most people don't know that the little black dress has a history that started in the 1920's, and that a little known designer by the named of Chanel has had the biggest influence when it comes to the little black dress and how it is perceived today. A brief history of the little black dress, a classic fashion icon.

The one thing everyone notices about the little black dress is that it is indeed black. From its conception, the color black has been associated with mourning and death, 1926 changed all that. It was after War World I and after the deaths of untold millions that, inexplicably, the black dress transformed into something no longer associated with death, and mourning, but something quite fashionable. The color black became intertwined with understated elegance, chic, and sophistication.