The Little Black Dress – Simplicity #4

 

It’s here in black and white; day #4 of Simplicity Week.

 

little black dress - simplicity #4

 

A Definition

In many people’s estimation, the most visually iconic example of “simplicity is the ultimate sophistication” is ‘The Little Black Dress’.   If it is not simple, or at least appear simple to the eye, it will by definition not be a ‘Little Black Dress’.  If it is too ornate, overdone, or fussy it might still be a black dress and it might still be little, but it will not be a ‘little black dress’.  A little black dress is simple and in it’s simplicity it becomes sophisticated.

 

Breakfast at Tiffany’s

The quintessential example is, once again, Audrey Hepburn. She starred in ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ in the 1960s and her LBD (Little Black Dress) style became the instant example of contemporary style and sophistication.

 

Breakfast at Tiffany's poster - 1961

Breakfast at Tiffany’s poster – 1961

 

Audrey Hepburn - Little Black Dress

Audrey Hepburn – Little Black Dress

 

 

CC

It didn’t start with Holly Golightly though. The LBD started with Coco Chanel.  Before her the ornate, overwrought dresses of the Victorian era still said ‘sophistication’ to the general population. She (and others) changed that by creating dresses that were simple in line and decoration. 

 

Original Coco Chanel drawing - 1926

Original Coco Chanel drawing – 1926

 

Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel

 

Icon

And from then until now it’s been the standard of simplicity AND sophistication in fashion and design.

 

Grace Kelly - 1954

Grace Kelly – 1954

 

 

Jackie Kennedy - 1960s

Jackie Kennedy – 1960s

 

 

Sophia Loren - Marilyn Monroe

Sophia Loren – Marilyn Monroe – 1960s

 

 

Little Black Dress - 1970s

Little Black Dress – 1970s

 

 

Little Black Dress - 1980s

Little Black Dress – 1980s

 

 

Princess diana in a little black dress

Princess Diana – 1990s

 

 

Taylor Swift - 2013

Taylor Swift – 2013

 

What is your favorite example of simplicity being the ultimate sophistication? It doesn’t have to be in fashion, it can be in any field.

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Drawing and commentary by Marty Coleman

Quote by Leonardo da Vinci, 1452 – 1519, Italian artist and inventor

 

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 Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication