Gabrielle Coco Chanel (1883 1971) In the fourth instalment of BoF's fashion history series, we meet the creator of the little black dress, who took her cues from a country in mourning. Gabrielle Clothing : Maxi Dresses : 'Larelle' Black Plunge Maxi Dress 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 The little black dress, the cornerstone of fashion. The little black dress, also referred to as the LBD, was introduced to the fashion world by Coco Chanel in 1926. The Black Plunging Gown Etsy The Deep Plunge Gown Black Sequin XXS