Chanel and a Brief History of the LBD

In 1926 Coco Chanel revolutionized the fashion world by publishing a simple black dress in American Vogue.

Vogue declared that the little black dress would become "a sort of uniform for women of taste".

 During the Victorian and Edwardian age black was reserved for women in mourning. The little black dress must have been considered scandalous.  But it was the "Roaring 20's" after all, and it was a time when women were breaking free from social and fashion conventions.

Chanel's LBD has proven to be timelessly elegant.  

Through out the 20th century the LBD has been the dress of choice for women of taste. 

Even in the 21st century, the Chanel LBD is still a classic.

BBC article on LBD

I suppose I am not the only person who loves the timeless fashion staple which is the little black dress.  Below is a link to an article from the BBC with a historical perspective on the LBD.  The slideshow includes a nod to my favorite fashion pioneer Coco Chanel.  I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did.

http://www.bbc.com/culture/story/20131209-the-dress-thats-always-in-style

My Favorites from the Chanel Fall 2010 Couture Collection

The Little Black Dress (LBD) made famous by Coco Chanel. I love the signature Chanel quilting in the material of the dress. Short sleeves showing off the arms with a plethora of bracelets.  Simple, yet elegant design.

An modern version of the classic Chanel suite.  A recurring theme in this collection is the shorter sleeves, perfect to show off a plenty of bracelets.  I especially love the rich red color.  Perfect for fall. 

This outfit incorporates a feminine twist on menswear with its fitted styling and simple lines. 

Timeless classic.  This suite reminds be of something Jacqueline Kennedy would wear.  This is the type of suite that you can wear today eventually and pass along to your grandaughter, because it will never go out of style. 

















Another timeless classic that is the signature of Chanel.  This, and all of these looks are modernized with the addition of bracelets; however, no other accessories are needed.  Chanel dressing is all about simplicity in elegance. 

Photo Credits:

Photo Credits: 
http://www.style.com/fashionshows/complete/slideshow/F2010CTR-CHANEL

Legandary Style of Coco Chanel

She started her own company in an era before women worked outside the home, much less ran a company. She created a fashion empire that is highly regarded to this day. Her name is synonymous with timeless style and sophistication.

“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born in Saumur, France on August 19, 1883. After her mother’s death, she and her sister were placed in an orphanage to be raised by nuns. This is where Chanel learned to sew. After she left the orphanage, she embarked on a short-lived career as a singer, before she embarked on creating her signature fashion line. Chanel once quipped that her nickname “Coco” was derived from a shortened version of “cocotte”, meaning a “kept woman”.

Chanel opened her first shop in 1910 located Paris’s Rue Cambon. She began building her empire selling hats. By the 1920’s she had was making clothes and had expanded by adding shops in Deauville and Biarritz. She also launched her signature perfume Chanel No. 5. Chanel described perfume as “the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion”. In 1925 she introduced the legendary, iconic Chanel suit which featured a collarless jacket paired with a well-fitted skirt. Chanel is credited with introducing the “Little Black Dress” (LBD), a staple in every fashionable woman’s wardrobe.

Chanel believed fashion should be simple and comfortable to wear. This is why her company continues to thrive, even after her passing in 1971. Karl Lagerfeld joined the company in 1983, as it has continued to thrive. Chanel is a privately held company, which is worth an estimated $1.5 billion today.

Below is the Chanel suite from the runway of the Fall 2010 Collection in Paris France.  It is a timeless classic. 

Chanel Suite 2010 

Sources:

http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/c/coco_chanel_2.html
http://www.biography.com/articles/Coco-Chanel-9244165?part=0
http://nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/designers/bios/chanel/
http://www.referenceforbusiness.com/history2/31/Chanel.html


Photo Credits:
http://www.fashify.com/events/be-a-fashion-icon-for-halloween-using-stuff-in-your-closet/
http://www.vuesociety.com/2009/08/09/day-12-classic-chanel/