The world of fashion, like everything around us, is changeable. New trends, styles, discoveries or a return to the past - without this it is difficult to imagine his life. However, there are among the fashionable phenomena those that are called upon, having appeared once, to remain in it forever. This is how you can characterize the little black dress of Coco Chanel. There is hardly a woman who has not heard of him. But those who have always dreamed of having it in their wardrobe are no less.
Color Revolution
Today, black is one of the main colors in any wardrobe. With its help, business images are created that are distinguished by restraint and rigor, as well as bold evening dresses that captivate with their beauty and seductiveness.
But it wasn't always like that. Previously, black was treated exclusively as an element of mourning. Women dressed in it only after suffering a loss, observing the rules according to which they could not wear other clothes forcertain time.
Coco Chanel's little black dress is the new life of this beautiful, noble color, which after a short time conquered even the most conservative fashionistas of its time.
Legendary figure in fashion history
Her real name is Gabrielle Boner Chanel. From the age of eleven she lived in an orphan monastery and did not expect much from life. However, the desire for something beautiful and sublime did not leave her. Known to the world of fashion, the name - Coco - the girl received, trying herself as a dancer and singer.
It took her years to figure out exactly what she wanted to do. Coco decided to become a fashionista. Her lover played a role in the development of Chanel as a world famous designer. Businessman Arthur Capel, who was called "Boy", not only shared Koko's aspirations, but also helped the girl open the first hat shop.
This first step in the world of fashion opened up a wonderful designer in her, who became a real phenomenon. Fame, environment, influence - all this Coco achieved herself.
History of Appearance
The story of Coco Chanel's little black dress is as unusual as its creator. There are two versions of what caused it to appear. According to the first, Coco Chanel considered that the evening dresses of the ladies at the balls were too bright and colorful. She perceived the society ladies around her to be unnecessarily discharged and vulgar. Then the designer boldly declared that she would dress all these “fashionistas” in black. Despite the audacity of such a statement, afterfor several years, ladies really lined up at the Coco Chanel salon to purchase such a dress. The confidence and inflexibility of the designer made even the most skeptical fashionistas doubt.
The second version of the appearance of Coco Chanel's little black dress is connected with the personal drama in the designer's life. Arthur Capel or Boy Capel, as he was more often called, played a huge role in the fate of the trendsetter. He not only stood at the origins of the career of a young milliner with great ambitions, but also won her heart.
His life was interesting, but ended abruptly. In 1919, Boy gets into a car accident and dies. The tragedy of Coco Chanel was complicated by the fact that she was not married to Capel, therefore, she did not have the legal right to mourn. It was grief for lost love that prompted the designer to create an elegant, most discreet dress for publication. And although it became a kind of revolution in the fashion world, the creation of the great Chanel instantly wins universal recognition.
First copy
It is generally accepted that Chanel saw the basis of the future creation in the uniform of French saleswomen. The result was modest and elegant - a little black dress with long sleeves, a shallow round neckline and an average length just below the knees. It was supposed to serve as the basis for creating a unique image that would reflect the individuality of a woman. The right combination with accessories made it possible to wear it almost anywhere.
Chanel's perfect formula
The simplicity of Coco Chanel's little black dress is both room for experimentation and the opportunity to make a lot of mistakes. To create an interesting, but at the same time elegant image in the style of Chanel, it is enough to follow her own rules:
- Heeled shoes should be chosen as shoes to pair with a little black dress. However, remember that its height also plays a role. Chanel is the embodiment of femininity, she knew the measure in everything. The height of the heel should match the occasion: a business meeting, a cocktail party or a date. Each occasion dictates its own rules. Thin gossamer stockings can complement the image.
- Description of the little black dress would be incomplete without another invariable detail of the image of Coco Chanel - a string of pearls around the neck. Such a decoration, due to its luxury and contrast of colors, is the best option. However, if desired, it may well be replaced by a neat necklace.
- Wherever a woman goes, she must be fully armed. To fix her makeup, refresh her hair or create a thin train of good perfume, she needs to carry all this with her. This is where a small handbag on a chain, also created by Coco Chanel, comes to the rescue.
Basic style
It is no coincidence that the outfits of the great designer have become classics of fashion. Among others, they were distinguished by conciseness, restraint, functionality and practicality. They could easily satisfy the needs of women who wanted to look stunning, as well as those who were looking for the perfect combination.beauty and convenience. What to say about the power of influence of Coco Chanel, if she was able to turn the fashion world in the days of corsets and ruffles.
Recognizing a dress from a famous designer was not difficult due to its distinctive features:
- Two variations of the silhouette - straight and tight.
- Small volume, avoiding excessive pomp created by ruffles.
- Slightly below the knee length.
- Long sleeves or medium sleeves for easy movement.
- In choosing fabrics, the designer preferred tweed and jersey.
- A small collar or pockets with flaps could complement the dress.
- Trim, large buttons or cord used as trim.
Nearly a century of history
The black cocktail dress, as well as other models, changed with the fashion. In each of them, the features of the outfit that once changed everything are guessed, but over the years it has transformed, reflecting the tastes and preferences of its time.
Already in the second half of the 20s, the restraint of the dress changed significantly. All sorts of decor appeared on the dresses: placers of beads, pearls and other jewelry. The Charleston came into fashion, which forced the waist to shift down, and the skirt to be multi-layered. The sleeves have also been eliminated.
30s still captivate with their beauty. Luxury was everywhere: directness and baggy gave way to a seductive, fitted silhouette, the crew neckline became deeper.
After the end of the war, the fashion world was drowning in New Look style. So, the style of Coco's little black dressChanel acquired a narrow fitted bodice and a voluminous knee-length skirt. It would seem that a complete contradiction to the designer's original outfit, but fashion adamantly dictated its own laws.
The golden age of Hollywood breathed new life into the black dress. A wide variety of styles appeared: fitted bustier dresses, captivating tight cases. Film stars loved outfits without decor, and its absence was complemented by chic expensive jewelry.
The volume, which Coco Chanel did not like so much, was again returned by the famous actress Audrey Hepburn. It was she who became the embodiment of the rules that the great designer herself followed. Simple cut, no decor and a string of pearls. The main difference is the lack of long sleeves.
In the 60s, changes affected the length of the dress, it only reached the middle of the thigh. The next decade is marked by a wide variety of black cocktail dress styles. Fashionistas shone both in seductive and feminine outfits, and in dresses of daring styles. The 80s were years of experimentation, but the classics did not give up their positions.
The 90s were one of the most revealing periods for a black dress. Interesting cutouts, play with materials and finishes. Even Princess Diana chose an outfit of this color for one of her appearances.
The so-called "zero" absorbed the legacy of all previous years. Today, at social events, as well as in everyday life, you can meet women in black dresses of a wide variety of styles. The maxi-length outfit is becoming especially popular, whichconfirmed by photos from the red carpet.
Special Shapes
Girls, whose figure does not have any flaws, practically do not have to think about the style of their outfit. It is enough to rely on personal taste or fashion trends.
Women who are dissatisfied with their forms, on the contrary, with the help of certain models of clothing, seek to emphasize their dignity, while hiding problem areas.
A little black dress for overweight women is a real find. Everyone knows that its main advantage is the ability to visually make the silhouette slimmer. For such a figure, such styles as a tunic, a dress with a high waist are suitable.
If the legs are not a problematic part of the body, then you can choose the closest to the classic version - a case. If desired, the dress is complemented by gates, asymmetrical cutouts.
Conclusion
A dress in the style of Coco Chanel is a little dream of every woman. Sometimes it seems that it appears at the subconscious level. Feel free to perform it, because such an outfit is simply indispensable in the wardrobe!
