How Coco Chanel's Revolutionary Jewelry Vision Applies Today 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 Primavera 4501 Size 10 Black GOLD Prom Dress Sequin Chanel's classic 1926 little black dress added to fashion exhibition in Scotland The Independent The first little black dress designed by Coco Chanel ushered in the long reign of a fashion staple. Black and Gold Dress by Nicole Miller Rent the Runway