You probably have a little black dress that has solved your wardrobe dilemma of what to wear on many occasions. With a storied history (since 1926), this humble closet workhorse, with limitless potential and universal appeal, has managed to strike the perfect balance of being practical, versatile, elegant and effortless. It’s no wonder it's a crucial part of every woman's wardrobe. It goes with just about everything and can easily be dressed up or down depending on the dress code. It's the dress that makes you feel your best self and that is why we love it!
So is there any point in investing in another LBD when your sartorial security blanket is timeless, fits well and does the job? Coco Chanel went through many revolutionary changes in fashion, and so the LBD must honour its founder, and evolve with the times.
This season, designers have revisited this wardrobe staple and turned the humble LBD into a wardrobe hero. Keeping simplicity a keynote in the designs (just as Chanel did), the new LBD has re-emerged in a variety of forward iterations of the timeless dress silhouette including; romantic ruffled sleeves, sophisticated one-shoulder, sensual open back detail and sexy cut-out dresses to become a trophy garment. So why not invest in good quality fabric that you love and make that perfectly-fitting LBD you have always wanted and just can’t find in a store.
Ruffle sleeve LDB
A grown-up ruffle sleeve LBD worn by Emma Watson on the Red Carpet.
Revealing a hint of décolletage, this romantic and feminine LBD with frothy ruffle sleeves, will create an amazing and flattering silhouette which can also be worn belted. The ruffles will add softness to a sharply tailored LDB, adding movement and charm for a minimalist offering. For a more grown-up elegance, add architectural curves by selecting a stiffer fabric for the ruffles.
Fabric options for the dress: Wool crepe, duchess satin and shiny taffeta fabric.
Fabric options for the ruffles: Organza, duchess satin, taffeta and shantung fabric.
One shoulder LBD
A one shoulder LBD worn to the Revolutionary Road premiere by Kate Winslett.
With equal parts bold and feminine, a one-sleeve neckline cut for a contouring fit and clinging to your body like a second skin, is the perfect starting point to achieve this minimalist look. If you want to add some drama to your shoulder-bearing LBD, include sparkling Swarovski crysrals, plush feathers or organza which will sway gently as you move.
For a more loose fit, artfully draped lustrous satin can be used to achieve a flattering and fluid silhouette for this LBD.
Fabric options: Wool crepe fabrics, lustrous satin fabrics, linen fabrics, lace fabrics, shantung fabrics and microfibre fabrics.
Open back LBD
An open back LBD as seen on Cate Blanchett.
We love a sculpted dress with a simple and understated front, turning to reveal a dramatic and alluring open back. This column style dress, nipped in / darted at the waist can work as a midi or maxi dress and can be made using various types of luxe fabrics.
Fabric options: Jersey fabrics, linen fabrics, crepe fabrics, silk satin fabrics, taffeta fabrics and guipure lace fabrics.
Cut-out LBD
Rosie Huntington Whiteley looking fabulous in a cut-out LBD.
Playful and fun, with unexpected cut-outs, this style LBD dress can work as a figure-skimming silhouette or as a slim bodice with a voluminous skirt. With endless skin-bearing options that are ever-growing in popularity, we love a tie-front to expose some midriff, bare shoulders or knotted front to draw attention to the waist whilst showing a glimpse of skin, and giving the illusion of separates.
Fabric options: Faille fabrics, linen fabrics, crepe fabrics, silk fabrics, shiny silk satin fabrics, polyester fabrics, taffeta fabrics and shantung fabrics.
