The Little Black Dress & Mimis Current Favourites...
- Mimi Piqua
- Nov 12
- 3 min read
The Little Black Dress:
When I think of the Little Black Dress (LBD) my mind immediately goes to Coco Chanel. The 20th century phenomenon was after-all created by Coco herself! The simplicity of a good black dress never goes unnoticed.
The LBD is a timeless, elegant staple required in every woman's wardrobe. If you are yet to find your staple Little Black Dress… keep reading.
The LBD is one of the most enduring and versatile clothing staples in fashion history. I cannot think of an item more translatable in fashion, and that's what makes it so iconic.
Many of us still aspire to find the perfect LBD, searching vintage racks, high streets and even flea markets for the perfect fit.
Over the Years:
Coco Chanel the revolutionary woman behind so much of fashion, and creator of the Little Black Dress in the 1920s! She was the first to regularly use black outside of a funeral setting, turning a dire colour into an everyday staple you HAD to have.
An elegant staple in every woman's wardrobe - that still stands true to this day.
Perhaps unknown to some Coco Chanel began her career about 10 years prior to the LBD, at age 27 as a Milliner, it wasn’t until ten years later she gave her genuine genius to fashion - and in turn gifted the world with the iconic Little Black Dress.
Throughout the 50s and 60s the LBD grew in popularity through cinema. Including Audrey Hepburn's iconic Givenchy number worn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961). This is probably the most notable moment for the LBD, and where its popularity spiked drastically.
Dress and Demand:
Of course as fashion trends came and went so did styles of the LBD, but the main focus was the same - a simplistic cut and a black colouring.
In the 70s perhaps some sequins were added, in the 80s perhaps a shoulder-pad, in the 90s we got back down to elegant silhouettes and sleek silks (thank god)
The LBD will never go out of style, because of its neverending versatility. Dress it down, dress it up, accessorise it, let it speak for itself.
High-heel, or flats? Bold jewels or simple statements? Office-wear or Cocktail time? The Little black dress effortlessly transitions between every scenario, allowing it to stay in wardrobes for decades.
The LBD has a rich history and therefore should be treated as an investment piece, just as you would invest in a bag or a watch, why not invest in a timeless LBD for future generations…
Here are some of Mimi’s more affordable picks:
In conclusion, the LBD is an icon, much like her creator. An iconic, and everlasting staple in fashion, that after doing this deep dive into I have a new found appreciation for. I myself have never properly invested into a good Little Black Dress, so I'm changing my ways - and I suggest you acquire your signature LBD as well.
Throughout this deep dive, I've found some seriously good Little Black Dresses from a myriad of brands, and at so many price points, because thats .the beauty of the LBD, everyone can have one!!!
With Black Friday coming up I fear i've been slightly naive to write this now, because tragically I have my heart set on the Zimmerman dress from Selfridges (above), heres hoping Selfridges miraculously drops the RRP by 75%... fingers crossed.
With love,
Mimi x
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