The Time for the Little Black Dress

Not to sound boring or anything but I have finally reached the point where I can no longer resist the desire for a little black dress.  However, there needs to be some ground rules.  I know people who think that their LBD can save them from all possible outfit disasters and that they can transform into the epitome of chic just with a slip of a black dress so they end up buying many many cheap dresses so long as they’re black, under this impression.  I’m going to be controversial and say the LBD is not the be and end all in dresses and certainly for me, the most flattering colour is NOT black no matter how many style gurus tell me so. 

However I glimpsed at my LBD destiny when yesterday at Dover Street Market I saw the Didier Ludot collection.  Now some of you might know that Didier Ludot is THE place to go to for vintage haute couture in Paris and their shop in Palais Royal is truly a designer vintage haven.  In addition they have their own line entitled ‘La Petite Robe Noir’ – producting exactly what it says which is a vast range of LBD’s.  They have even written a book dedicated to the LBD.    The ones I saw were so exquisite and the price tag was equally shocking BUT…and here’s where I start to sound very old-fashioned and mumsy….. I think it’s an investment worthwhile because they truly are beautiful and they have so many to fit whatever style you are.  Even an LBD cynic like me has to admit defeat and give into the Dider Ludot effect!  The collection was designed in 2001 by Felix Farrington, when the line was first conceived and has not changed since – clearly wanting to convey the timeless quality of the line. 

The collection revolves around having a different LBD throughout the day – one chic day.

Graphic Chic – Celebrate the Kiki de Montparnasse a La Coupole.

Gourmand Chic – Have lunch at the Lipp.

Cosmopolitan Chic – Sunbathe at the terrace of Deux Magots.

Nostalgic Chic – Dream of Hemmingway at Closerie des Lilas.

Bookseller Chic – Remake the world at Voltaire. 

Avantgardiste Chic – Expose oneself at Georges.

Luxurious Chic – Make one’s entrance ot the Grand Féfour.

Sensuous Chic – Have supper at Maxim’s.

Licentious Chic – Elate at Moulin Rouge.

Panoramic Chic – Be resplendent at la Tour d’Argent.

Frankly, I could not care less what sort of chic it is as long as I know that when the time comes, I can get some!