ARTISTRY
72. Building on Basics
Tried-and-true basics may feel like fallback items
in fashion, but garments in this category exist
because everyone understands and appreciates
their value. Staple garments are not an easy out,
because they actually pose greater challenges for
the designer. Coming up with something com
pletely different is often easier than putting your
stamp on a classic.
The little black dress is a garment that most
women own or have owned during their life
time-it never goes out of style. It has been at
the center of everything from museum exhibi
tions to morning-show makeovers. The first
association most people make regarding the
little black dress is through the film Breakfast at
Tiffany's in which Audrey Hepburn wears one
designed by Hubert de Givenchy. In fact, it is
Gabrielle Coco Chanel's work in the 1920s that
is cr edited as the origin of the modern-day little
black dress. Vogue called it "Chanel's Ford," refer
ring to the Model T, which was also designed
to be simple and accessible. One of its most
redeeming qualities is the ability to accessorize
it to suit any occasion. For men, the tuxedo is
a fashion staple for formal occasions, though
most men don't actually own one. Defining the
basics that a designer will include in her body of
work requires as much, if not more, research and
development if the designer wants her vision to
be memorable.
150 Fashion Design Essentials
British actor and comedian
Cary Grant in a tuxedo, 1953
