Like a familiar face that looks the same, only different, the little black dress has gotten a makeover for the holidays.
Instead of its usual ”basic” self-a discreet bow here, a little white collar there-the LBD has become transformed by fireworks of beads, bands of faux jewels and metallic glints of gold chains and studs.
”It gives you the best of both worlds,” said designer Pamela Dennis.
”You have the sleek, chic of black but with the brightness and shimmer of beads and crystals.”
Beads-and-black has been a winning combination for Dennis: her $3,000 black stretch georgette T-back gown, strewn with tiny crystals, was recently snapped up by Jane Fonda and teen tennis star, Jennifer Capriati.
”It`s one of my very favorites,” said Dennis whose line also includes short sheath dresses with wide bands of crystals at the neck and sleeves.
”I`ve worn it myself three times already.”
Variations on a black theme
The trend for embellished black dresses isn`t only in the pricey, size 6 designer range.
The August Max Woman, which specializes in plus sizes, carries a $160 V-back chemise strewn with gold studs by Travini.
The trendy, moderately priced Limited chain features a $79 black knit slip dress with gold bead embroidery while the Limited`s sister store, Express, has a $49 black slip dress with pearl spaghetti straps.
”It`s festive to have a touch of glitter,” said Mariana Keros, public relations director for The Limited. ”Even women who usually prefer the classic appeal of basic black feel comfortable with a little bit of beads and sequins during the holiday season.”
Geri Savidge, director of press information for AnnTaylor, agreed.
”There are so many interpretations, from simple to extravagant, that no woman is locked into a single look,” she said.
At AnnTaylor, the range includes a black velvet dress dotted with pearls, a black suit with gold metallic cuffs and gold jewel buttons and a black sheath whose decollete back is overlaid with gold chains.
Anne Klein II offers a $300 black tank dress rippling with shiny plastic discs and a $300 black sweater similarly festooned, while DKNY features a $475 sleeveless shift shimmering with paillettes and a $325 black sequin bodysuit paired with a $285 black bouffant silk skirt.
Built-in glitz
The passion for black-and-beads, especially pearls, isn`t only in clothes: it extends to accessories as well, like bags with pearl bracelet handles and slingbacks with rhinestone straps.
Although basic black has long been a lynchpin for eveningwear, the current clamor for embellishment may be influenced in part by the recent craze for jumbo jewel buttons along with the black leather/gold chains/pearls combination trumpeted by Chanel. And designer Bill Blass, a master when it comes to little black dresses, should also be given credit: his black cocktail dress, wagged with pearl straps in the back, has been knocked off in dozens of variations.
Despite the little black dress` new evening flash, it may qualify as recession attire. With all the built-in glitz, who needs jewelry? –
