The LBD revisited with a twist of pop culture

dress: Geren Ford (find an inspirational one here), pumps: Christian Louboutin  

Today's dissection inspects pop culture's influence towards fashion. Already examined in a previous post, the LBD well deserves a second view. This style necessity is way more than just an icon. Indeed, the Cocos of the world turned it into a fashion rule since the 1920s, but it has well developed into the mainstream to appear and reappear in different forms, and within different mediums. 

A closer look at this particular LBD style might refresh your memory and bring back those days of cinematic glory, when Hollywood movies were created under the preconceived notion that anything is possible in love. That is precisely how Pretty Woman came about, and of course, that unforgettable black cocktail dress, which not only caused all heads to turn but survived Vivian's (Julia Roberts) attempts at savoring a 6 course dinner. Of course in this case, we had our beloved Damla to model and add an extra modern touch with some pink Louboutins. A perfect youthful boost of color to her outfit, these lovely feet jewels give off a mischievous flirty feel to her elegant demeanor.

The LBD according to Pretty Woman

Aren't the design similarities particularly striking? Regardless, this is not a contest of who wore it best. They both inspire timeless elegance and youthful mischief. So go ahead and admire them and their wearers, and just an fyi, I'm sure they'd love a little comment, or two...

The LBD: a must-have at all times

In anticipation of the holiday festivities, I thought nothing would be more appropriate than to share some LBD advice with you. After all, we all need a little classic loving in our wardrobes, and with all the funked up jewelry and accessories we collect each season, what better piece to serve as canvas for these new additions?

SZEKI's edition of the LBD, funked up with zippers yet classic

Fashion historians associate the origins of the little black dress to the 1920s designs of Coco Chanel, intended to be a long-lasting, versatile and affordable piece with a neutral color, accessible to the widest market possible. The LBD, deemed as the "rule of fashion" by many fashion insiders, is a must-have for every woman. Simple and elegant, it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion: worn with a jacket and flats by day or dressed up with funky jewelry, accessories, and heels by night. Given its status as wardrobe essential for many years, the style of the LBD ideally should be as simple as possible, rather than belonging to a particular trend that may become outdated. 

As you can see, I went ahead with a simple design, yet "funkified" with three zippers, starting on each side of the waist, drawing an inward curve against the hip for a rocker chic effect. Now, all I need is an Alkemie Jewelry Zipper Bangle and an Aurelie Bidermann Demeter 18-karat gold-plated necklace, if only Santa could hear me...

See the silly grins on my face? It's the plain LBD effect, and okay okay...mine is also one of a kind, thanks to SZEKI's unique curations. But rest assured, Alexander Wang has two quite fabulous editions you can get your hands on, and not to mention, they are on sale too: a draped brushed-crepe dress if you are in a romantic mood, or a ponte zip dress if you want to rock the zippers like I do!