It was on the 1st of October in 1926, when in the pages of the American Vogue, a plain black dress made its first appearance in contrast to the eye-catching garments of the era.

Simple, chic and suitable for any occasion, Coco Chanel's gift to the world of fashion is none other than the little black dress, the first truly classic garment, the symbol of the female elegance, and a daunting challenge for the contemporary creative designer. From Rita Hayworth to Audrey Hepburn, from Édith Piaf to Madonna and from Marilyn Monroe to Monica Bellucci, actresses, singers and celebrities, have all given in to the irresistible charm of the little black dress because it is simple, it is always in fashion and it never fails to make a bold statement. After all, colour can be a distraction, while on the other hand, black, the colour of asceticism, it is imbued with purity, minimalism and the notion of order. Nevertheless, however beautiful, the little black dress needs to move a step forward and evolve, which is a relentless challenge of creativity for the young designers who find themselves balancing between ingenuity and technology. In the end, as we follow the transformation of the little black dress through the decades, we ultimately realise that Chanel's legacy is more contemporary than ever, making this little garment probably the most indispensable item in a woman's wardrobe.—Nick Riganas