The Little Black Dress: A Timeless Classic by Chanel Modest black evening shrug Scelle by Linda THE STORY OF: Coco Chanel's Little Black Dress 29Secrets 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 Amazon.com: GORAIS Women Bolero Shrug Black Long Sleeve Evening Jacket Open Front Prom Cardigan for Dresses : Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry A Coco Chanel Little Black Dress, released in 1926. Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC. Gift of Mrs. Georges Gudefin