Top 10 LBD Icons

The little black dress is both an iconic and essential addition to any woman's wardrobe, with countless celebrities past and present re-inventing the meaning of the term LBD. From Audrey Hepburn's unforgettable Givenchy LBD in her Breakfast at Tiffany's role to Madonna's edgy 80's take on a classic, here Team LBD present their pick of the all time Top 10 LBD Icons...

1) Audrey Hepburn Unquestionably the most famous little black dress icon of all time, Audrey Hepburn is the undisputed Queen of the LBD, and she even has the tiara to prove it. Miss Hepburn's Givenchy dress in her role in hit movie Breakfast at Tiffany's set the standard in the 60's for famously styling an LBD with pearls. So central was Audrey to the story of the LBD that the very term "little black dress" originated from her role in this iconic movie. This LBD icon is the perfect portrayal of the power and longevity of the famous little black dress.

"I never think of myself as an icon. What is in other people's minds is not in my mind. I just do my thing." - Audrey Hepburn

2) Coco Chanel

With fashion historians tracing the origins of the little black dress back to the 1920's designs of Coco Chanel, this lady's status as an LBD icon is set in stone. Coco's LBD vision was based around a long-lasting, versatile, widely accessible design; she believed that this dress would be a classic, timeless wardrobe essential. Over 90 years later, the presence of an LBD in a woman's wardrobe is considered a definitive rule of fashion. LBD lovers, we've got a lot to thank this lady for!

Å“Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman. - Coco Chanel

3) Marilyn Monroe Classic Hollywood glamour is what characterises this style icon. Championed for flaunting her figure in curve-hugging, head-turning designs, this lady embraces the spirit of the LBD with stylish sophistication. With her tumbling blonde curls, classic red lip, and dashes of diamonds, an off-the-shoulder little black dress is the central player in this outfit. Marilyn taught us the ultimate style lesson, the value of an LBD in making an unforgettable fashion statement.

"Give a girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world." - Marilyn Monroe

4) Princess Diana Labelled her "revenge dress", Princess Diana raised eyebrows in this statement LBD with its thigh-high split and low-cut neckline. Diana's look effortlessly emphasises the powerful image a little black dress can provide. Similar to both Audrey and Marilyn, Diana draws on bold diamond jewellery to deliver the uppermost in opulence. It's easy to see why this princess has long been regarded as a style icon, and we're happy that one of her most iconic fashion moments was in a stunning LBD!

"Life is just a journey." - Princess Diana

5) Elizabeth Hurley Widely known as "that dress", Elizabeth Hurley got the world talking about this daring LBD when she wore it to the premiere of Four Weddings and a Funeral in 1994. Featuring several oversized gold safety pins, the design is one of Versace's most well known creations, with many also considering it one of the key factors behind Miss Hurley's rise to worldwide fame. This LBD has serious attitude, revealing a racier side to the classic designs of Chanel back in the 20's.

"I always wear make-up as I don't see the point in looking less than your best." - Elizabeth Hurley

6) Victoria Beckham Although the Spice Girls were united as music's biggest pop group, each member developed their own personal sense of style, with Victoria's "Posh" persona synonymous with little black dresses and heels. Whilst the now established fashion designer has donned countless numbers of LBDs over the years, the simple, spaghetti strap number is by far her most iconic. Catapulting her into the world of fashion and establishing her Spice Girl personality, who knew an LBD could do so much?!

"I cannot concentrate in flat shoes." - Victoria Beckham

7) Jackie Kennedy

A fashion icon from the moment she step foot in the White House, Jackie O will always be known for her timeless sense of grace and style the world fell in love with. Favouring off-the-shoulder LBDs, this lady loved to channel the Hollywood royalty look. Another thing America's First Lady knew a thing or two about was the art of accessorising. Opting for strings of classic pearls and matching studs, Jackie's evening LBD look was the epitome of style and splendor.

"I am a woman above everything else." - Jackie Kennedy

8) Kate Moss When it comes to modern fashion icons, they don't come much bigger than this. A rock chick at heart, Kate Moss is never afraid to re-invent her look, shifting between effortlessly cool and grown-up glamour with ease. The LBD is a trademark item in this supermodel's wardrobe, and out of all these icons, Kate has particularly taught us the diversity of the little black dress. From a dressed down shopping trip to the hottest red carpet event in Hollywood, this fearless fashionista loves nothing more than rocking an LBD.

"I like clothes, but I hardly ever go shopping. Hardly ever!" - Kate Moss

9) Madonna Usually seen uniquely dressing up an LBD for the biggest events in the showbiz calendar, Madonna is an LBD icon with an edge. Seen here in a memorable LBD look for the 1985 American Music Awards, Madonna never holds back when it comes to style. One of the beauties of the LBD is that when it comes to variety, you're spoilt for choice. Make like Madonna and find a style that perfectly suits you're personality, then accessorise away! Think of an LBD as a blank canvas to accessorise with whatever jewellery and add-ons appeal to you.

"I am my own experiment. I am my own work of art." - Madonna

10) Brigitte Bardot

Inspiring generations of females with her famously French, chic style, Brigitte Bardot was as much a style icon as she was a sex symbol. An avid LBD lover, Brigitte kept her signature LBD look simple and striking, often opting for no jewellery at all. If anyone was notable for their natural, no-fuss spin on the LBD, it was her. Follow in Miss Bardot's footsteps and step out in a simple LBD for the easiest way to exude timeless elegance in one swift step.

"A photograph is an instant of life captured for eternity that will never cease looking back at you" - Bridget Bardot

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