The Little Book of the Little Black Dress

The iconic dress that has stood the test of time.

Contemporary yet classic, the little black dress never goes out of style. Popularized by Coco Chanel in the 1920s, the style freed women from the corset and became the epitome of liberation. Dubbed the 'Ford of fashion' by American Vogue, it was simple, stylish and affordable – 'the frock that all the world will wear'.

Tracing the fascinating evolution of the LBD, from Audrey Hepburn's sleek Givenchy sheath in Breakfast at Tiffany's or Princess Diana's rebellious 'revenge dress' right through to the mesh detailing and body-sculpting shapes of recent years, this little book is a celebration of one of fashion's most iconic garments.

'One is never under dressed or over dressed with a little black dress.'

Karl Lagerfield

'A little black dress is something to rely on. To fill you with confidence and ease. To have an attitude that is pure and effortless, yet sexy and classy.'

Stella McCartney

'The little black dress must be luxurious, rich, sensual, diaphanous, exotic, severe, lush, demure, demanding, frivolous, amusing, and it must linger in memory, but above all, it must be simple and little and black.'

Carolina Herrera