TRENDS FALL-WINTER 2008
The Little Black Dress
A universal sign of femininity you cannot be without?-?The Little Black Dress is a women’s wardrobe essential, irrepressible, outlasting all transient trends, self-assured, always sexy and sublimely suited to any occasion, the 'LBD' is fashion. By Sophie Demarcq...
Whether you’re going for severe or seductive, FABULOUS or minimalist, the Little Black Dress is a must-have. It is a second skin: it lends a certain tone, instills a certain attitude and becomes one with the wearer. A shift dress gives a 60s feel, classic chic calls for wool and cocktail glamour requires chiffon – whatever look you choose, the Little Black Dress moulds to the contours of the silhouette and creates an aura of magnetic attraction. It is mysterious, captivating, sexy… Look at the fashion icons of the last century: Jeanne Moreau in Chanel in Louis Malle’s “Les Amants”, Edith Piaf in her signature LBD, and not forgetting Jackie Kennedy or Audrey Hepburn.
Timeless Little Black Dress… With its timeless quality, the Little Black Dress endlessly inspires the most illustrious fashion houses, both in couture and ready-to-wear lines. This season we’re coveting the exquisite versions by Lanvin, Roland Mouret, Chanel, Balenciaga, Karl Lagerfeld, Maison Martin Margiela and many others. Represented in various forms in all the collections, the LBD is sometimes embellished with frills, ruffles or with organdy cuffs on vintage designs by Chanel or Valentino. At Givenchy, on the other hand, it is decorated with a multitude of chains for a more rock-chick attitude, while Alber Elbaz has adorned Lanvin’s LBDs with satin and velvet bows. and they are minimal in stretch mesh at Azzedine Alaïa or Hervé Léger by Max Azria.
How to wear the Little Black Dress?There are a thousand different possibilities, but to remain true to the Autumn/Winter 2008 trends we’d stick with one of three silhouettes inspired by fashion icons who have been long-time devotees of the Little Black Dress.Try the 40s style favored by Dita Von Teese with a veiled hat for a very seductive look, perfect for the evening. Retro, but just right.??Top model Audrey Marnay wears hers with femininity and faultless fashion sense in ballet pumps and no. This look is a gift for those days when you are incapable of finding something to wear. If you have to go straight from day to night without time to change, slip a pair of heeled ankle boots lace-up heeled bootees or patent court shoes into your bag; and everything must be black.
For vintage aficionados, the Didier Ludot boutique in the Gardens of the Palais Royal in Paris is a cult address for signed pieces in perfect condition (125, Galerie de Valois, Jardin du Palais Royal, 75001 Paris – Tel: +33140150104).. For a more rock look à la Madonna or PJ Harvey, accessorize your Little Black Dress with a pretty leather jacket, heels (patent, of course), fishnets or lace tights with thin bobby socks for a more trendy look. Sober or sophisticated, sexy or sage, fluid or form-fitting; the Little Black Dress is a universally acknowledged sign of femininity which you cannot be without.Discover our shopping selections for the perfect LBD look…
