The little black dress (LBD) was popularizedand effectively invented as a modern fashion stapleby French designer Coco Chanel in 1926. At a time when black was largely associated with mourning, Chanel introduced Little Black Dress: The Evolution of a Timeless Fashion Staple Vogue College of Fashion Little black dress: Eternal symbol of elegance and style The little black dress, the cornerstone of fashion. The little black dress, also referred to as the LBD, was introduced to the fashion world by Coco Chanel in 1926. The