Women have always worn the color black in fashion history, especially during the Victorian era. But something, in particular, rose in popularity, what was it? The little black dress is also known as the LBD.

For the first time, the little black dress became invaluable to a woman’s wardrobe. The primary reason for this is because, well, there is not a situation or event that the color black can’t handle. The dress itself is such a timeless and versatile piece. It has never gone out of style, and it never will. You can always be sure that if you have a LBD it can dress you for any occasion.

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So, why is it still turning heads today?

It’s iconic in every way. The dress revolutionized fashion because it is bold yet simple. If you have plans to attend an upscale restaurant with your friends, it’ll be the perfect opportunity to get dolled up with the LBD. Let’s say you have a job interview and you want to impress your potential employer. The best option is to choose a black dress to add some sophistication and simplicity.

Everyone knows the power that this little dress holds.

Coco Channel helped pave the way for this iconic dress. She wore black dresses, but it was only when she designed the first LBD that took over the fashion industry. In the 1920s Vogue featured the first LBD designed by Chanel. This helped popularize the dress. She wanted her design to be available to the largest possible market. Her timing could not have been any more perfect. The dress was released during the Great Depression. Most fabrics were rationed but the black dress remained because of its simplicity. Women could still dress without hurting their pockets.

Christian Dior also played an important role in reshaping the LBD in the 1950s. He did this by shortening the length of the dress from the ankles to just below the knee. His popular silhouettes provided a shapely and more feminine revamp. The designer focused on a padded shoulder, cinched waist, and midi-style skirts. Dior was the first to label them as cocktail dresses.

There are too many people to count when it comes to our favorite celebs wearing the iconic black dress. When I think of the LBD, Princess Diana comes to mind. In, June of 1994, Princess Diana was seen wearing a daring black dress (by royalty standards). On her way to a gala in London, Princess Diana wore a form-fitting and lowcut black dress. Christina Stambolian designed the number, but it wasn’t purchased until 3 years prior. It had never been worn until the gala. It is now known as the ‘revenge dress” because Diana wore it the same night Prince Charles confessed to his affair with Camilla on live television. We may never know what Princess Diana’s true intentions were for wearing that stunning dress, but it will continue to be one of her most memorable outfits.

Audrey Hepburn repopularized the LBD in the 1960s through the first scene of the romantic comedy Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Hubert de Givenchy designed a black satin sheath for Hepburn. It turned out to be one of the most influential dresses in cinematic history.

I had to add the remarkable supermodel, Shalom Harlow. She made a noteworthy appearance at the campaign party in How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days. The party was a big deal because it involved advertising diamonds. This event called for elegance and sophistication. With that being said, Shalom was seen in a curve-hugging black dress with a plunging neckline.

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