It would seem that what could be simpler, more ascetic and unattractive: the simplest cut, complete absence of decor and any noticeable details, absolutely nondescript color, worn by nuns, widows and maids. How did Mademoiselle Chanel’s invention revolutionize not only fashion, but also the public consciousness of an entire era?
To understand the phenomenon of the little black dress, you need to take a close look at the reality in which people lived at the beginning of the 20th century.
The First World War claimed tens of thousands of lives throughout Europe, empires collapsed, people lost their fortunes, and changed their way of life. At the same time, the suffragette movement made itself known in England and the United States: women demanded civil rights for themselves, dressed in men’s jackets and smoked cigarettes.
Young Gabrielle de Chanel did not strive to be in the mainstream. She shaped the mainstream. She began by offering Parisian women graceful, elegant hats instead of the vast fields of flowers that they wore on their heads. After this, Coco freed women from the corset, which was mandatory for every wealthy, and even more so, noble lady. Women could dress without assistance, breathe deeply, walk, sit and dance without physical discomfort.
It must be said that the road for the little black dress was not at all strewn with roses. Coco Chanel faced, as they would say now, hate. She was laughed at, saying that Coco was trying to dress aristocrats in maid dresses. Some said that the modest black dress is a reference to Coco’s orphanage childhood and the attire of the nuns who raised her. Someone believed that Mademoiselle de Chanel sews black dresses as a sign of grief for the main man in her life, who died in a car accident.
Indeed, the British aristocrat Arthur Capel, with whom Coco had a long-term affair, crashed in 1926. From that moment on, Mademoiselle Chanel put on her little black dress.
But the Parisians didn’t care. They didn’t ask questions and bought ascetic Chanel dresses like hot buns. And they were not worn by working-class girls, maids, typists and saleswomen. Chanel outfits were the prerogative of actresses, society ladies, aristocrats, and the creative elite. In short, people who set the tone and shape public sentiment.
Subsequently, the no less legendary Christian Dior promoted black dresses in his New Look style. But Mademoiselle de Chanel insisted that the principle of the little black dress was the simplicity of the lines.
And even many years later, the rich and famous Coco Chanel, at whose feet the whole world seemed to lie, wore her little black dress, allowing herself the only decoration – a string of pearls. Thus was born a classic image, recognizable from the first second, personifying sophisticated luxury, sophistication and good taste.
Background for the perfect look
The classic little black dress has a simple, clear cut, medium length just below the knee, narrow straight sleeves, and a round neckline at the chest. It is devoid of a collar, folds, frills, buttons, or any decor. This is the perfect canvas on which every woman can create her own unique image.
By choosing the right accessories and shoes, it looks appropriate absolutely everywhere. A black straight-cut dress with a jacket and loafers is perfect for a business meeting or office work. Taking a clutch in your hands and putting on evening shoes, you can go to the theater, to a restaurant, or on a visit. Complementing the dress with rough boots, fishnet tights and a biker jacket, it is quite appropriate to go to a party in a club. Of course, when creating different looks, you need to remember about suitable hairstyle and makeup.
In short, a little black dress can be daring, romantic, joyful, sad, eccentric, sexy: whatever you need.
Over the past century, the little black dress has undergone a transformation. This is quite natural, because from year to year it is present in many collections of leading designers. Now above the knee length, an open back, a high neckline on the skirt, even lace trim and an open neckline are acceptable.
You can recall the famous “revenge dress” of Princess Diana, Audrey Hepburn’s dress from the cult film “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”, models that Karl Lagerfeld periodically presents.
And even today, this iconic piece of clothing, which has become an instantly recognizable symbol of elegance, requires strict adherence to the canons: the dress must only be black, have a straight cut, and do not allow full skirts and flashy decor.
How to choose your ideal dress?
A little black dress can be absolutely classic or trendy. It all depends on your tastes and needs. If you want to have a dress that will be relevant for the next 5-10 years, you should give preference along with a laconic silhouette. And if it is important for you to be at the peak of fashion, then you can treat yourself to a dress with draping on the chest, an asymmetrical neckline or with one sleeve.
And in order for your little black dress to create a WOW effect, it is very important to monitor neatness. It should be flawlessly ironed, without the hairs of your favorite cat, without traces of your powder or glitter.
When choosing fabric, it is important to think about where you plan to wear the dress. Stretch and synthetic materials are perfect for evening outings. They keep their shape, don’t wrinkle and look good. But spending a long time in clothes made of such materials is very uncomfortable.
You can choose semi-synthetic fabrics that hold their shape, fit loosely to the body, and create beautiful straight lines. And if you plan to wear a dress in the cold season, give preference to natural fabrics – wool, cashmere. With proper care, such a dress will serve you for many years and look as if it was just made for you.
