The Secret History of the Little Black Dress by Amanda Brugh Medium Navy Blue Strapless Pleated Satin Sleeveless Short Party Homecoming Dr Modsele 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 From Coco Chanel to Lady Gaga: The fascinating history of the Little Black Dress