There is perhaps no garment more worthy of iconic status than the little black dress. The classic style staple adorns the wardrobes of so many, unsurprising, given its universal ability to flatter. The LBD is a simply cut evening or cocktail dress, often short, that can be dressed both up and down, depending on what your diary has in store.
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According to fashion historians, it was Coco Chanel who first invented the little black dress. One of the designer's sketches was featured in Vogue's 1926 issue, and it was expected to "become sort of a uniform for all women of taste".
© Photo: Getty ImagesCoco Chanel's famous LBD sold for 1,500 pounds ($3,000) at Christie's sale rooms
The prediction came true, and the LBD has been worn by practically everyone – from Princess Diana's famous Christina Stambolian version, to Elizabeth Hurley's daring Versace safety pin number, and Audrey Hepburn’s slinky Givenchy iteration.
Hello! Fashion shares the times the little black dress was worth its weight in style gold:
1. Audrey Hepburn
© Photo: Getty ImagesWidely heralded for her iconic portrayal of Truman Capote's complicated heroine Holly Golightly in the 1961 film Breakfast At Tiffany's, Audrey Hepburn's LBD was possibly even more revered than her performance. Created by Hubert de Givenchy, the figure-skimming silhouette epitomised glamour, styled with pearls, a tiara, opera gloves and, of course, Holly's trademark long cigarette holder.
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2. Princess Diana
© Photo: Getty Images
Princess Diana looked exceptional in her iconic 'revenge' dress as it was dubbed by the press. Her sweetheart neckline Christina Stambolian piece paired perfectly with her pearl choker worn to the Serpentine Gallery's 1994 summer party.
3. Elizabeth Hurley
© Photo: Getty Images
The model practically sent the press into overload when she accompanied boyfriend Hugh Grant to the London premiere of his latest picture Four Weddings and a Funeral while rocking a plunging safety pin dress by Versace. Hopping on the cut-out trend before it was even a thing, Elizabeth certainly did Donatella proud.
4. Grace Kelly
© Photo: Getty Images
Styled by Edith Head, Hollywood luminary Grace Kelly looked utterly unforgettable in her sheer sleeved pleated number in Alfred Hitchcock's Rear Window.
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5. Meghan Markle
© Photo: Getty Images
The Duchess of Sussex paid homage to Audrey Hepburn by also opting for Givenchy at the 2018 Fashion Awards, looking unmistakably chic on a one-shoulder design as she cradled her baby bump.
6. Julia Roberts
© Photo: Getty ImagesJulia Roberts turned to Valentino for one of the most important nights of her career when she stepped out in a strapless gown with contrasting piping at the 73rd Academy Awards in 2001 for her performance in Erin Brockovich.
7. Cindy Crawford
Cindy Crawford made for the perfect bandage dress poster girl in 1998 when she donned a Hervé Léger mini dress at Vogue's 100th anniversary party. The stuff of legends.
8. Rihanna
© Photo: Getty Images
Single-handedly revolutionising maternity dressing throughout the course of one single pregnancy, Rihanna totally nailed the assignment in her black sheer Dior ensemble at Paris Fashion Week earlier this year.
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