The little black dress is attributed to the designer Coco Chanel, who would have described it as a very versatile dress adapted to all sihlouettes and which does not show eventual… spots. This was an accessible version, which enjoyed great succes in the Great Depression Era. What’s next? Here are some unforgettable moments.
1. Audrey Hepburn in the famous Givenchy Dress from ”Breakfast at Tiffany’s”
The Petite Girl wearing a pair of ballerinas, who stepped firmly long ago in the workshop of the legendary Hubert de Givenchy and was refused by him, quickly demonstrates her diva qualites. Her image in the famous dress of the renowned creator remains a timeless landmark in fashion. The hairstyle, the accessories, the cigarette, the gaze, everything fascinates and transmits attitude and refinement.
Later, the pattern was followed by a great number of designers, reinterpreted and translated into a unique version by each. Nevertheless, the perfection of this piece has never been duplicated… that’s the approximate quote fashion magazines endlessly repeat. But this is not true. The famous actress’ dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s is not a Givenchy creation. That did not, however, prevent it from being qualified as one of the iconic fashion moments in the film.
2. Anita Ekberg in “La Dolce Vita”
One of the golden moments of the black dress in cinema was certainly the famous ”La dolce vita” scene in the Trevi Fountain setting, with sensual Silvia dressed in a black dress that defies gravity. The muse of director Federico Fellini, Anita Ekberg marks her most memorable role with this appareance. Less known fact, it is said the actress would have heroically resisted shooting at below zero temperatures without giving away the slightest discomfort.
Should the dress take the blame for this? Although this dress is certainly the most referenced, few know that the whole costume concept of the film was based on the ”bag-dress” introduced by Balenciaga in 1957. Attibuted to the Fontana sisters, the dress was chosen by Piero Gherardi, the film receiving the Oscar for ”Best costumes”.
3. Liz Hurley, with her safety pins Versace dress
Another version of the famous saying Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world, would be Dress up an unknown actress in a Versace dress and it will turn into a diva over night! Known to that date more as Hugh Grant’s lover than as an actress in her own right, Liz Hurley generated media hysteria when she appeared on the red carpet wearing a dress signed by the late Gianni Versace.
The black dress, with a generous neckline, held toghether by a few oversized gold safety pins. The theme was later taken in by collections of other fashion houses, such as Gucci or Balmain.
4. Angelina Jolie in the leather dress
Angelina Jolie is a great LBD wearer who even turned the passage to leather LBD elegant. I’ve never been more fascinated by a dress asit is the case with Angelina Jolie’s. Every other piece fades in contrast with the almost out-of-earth appeal of the famous actress.
No wonder why she was declared the most beautiful woman in the world so many times. Angelina is perfectly aware of this and she shines regardless of the ensemble she wears. The diva prefers a classic look, rarely out of the ordinary. The little black dress holds, of course, a well deserved place in her clothing choices list.
5. “Sex and the City”
Being aware of the media impact this image will generate, the production team chose a series of photos where the four girlfriends wear black dresses signed, of course, by famous designers, as a way to promote one of the famous series’s seasons. This image can be interpreted either exuding woman power or, to the contrary, as feeding society’s stereotypes regarding women’s image.
In reality, things are much simpler, since another campaign of the same project was based on a picture of the four wearing red dresses.
6. No fashion list without Victoria Beckham!
Considered a fashion icon by many, Victoria Beckham is certainly one of the best dressed celebrities. The minimalist style adopted by the former Posh Spice not only flatters a thin silhouette like Victoria’s. Is seems that even she has her moments of fashion uncertainty, oftenly preffering to play it safe with a version of the little black dress.
Curently, the star owns a clothing line, her ensambles being worn by the likes of Blake Lively, Jessica Simpson, Marry J. Blige, Elle McPherson, Drew Barrymore, Gwyneth Paltrow and Cameron Diaz, to name just a few of the celebrities addicted to the brand.
Kiss kiss kisses,
Domnița de Alba
