Fashion
Black dress-versatatile and timeless
The little black dress plays such a starring role in our wardrobes that it has its own special designation: the LBD. Vogue’s Hamish Bowles takes us through its history, decade by decade, from Coco Chanel to Cushnie on black dress.
It’s Mademoiselle Chanel who is credited with popularizing the look and, in doing so, making the colour black, previously worn only when in mourning or to express piety (as in ecclesiastical garb), fashionable. In 1926 Vogue dubbed a drawing of one of her snappy, drop-waisted LBDs, “The Chanel ‘Ford’—the frock that all the world will wear.”
They did, and do—men have recently gotten in on the game—though not all carry the Chanel label. In the 1950s, Christian Dior defined the look of the LBD: full-skirted and wasp-waisted. The little black dress Hubert de Givenchy designed for Audrey Hepburn in the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s is as representative of the early 1960s as Yves Saint Laurent’s sheer, feather-trimmed number of the latter part of that iconoclastic decade.
Cocktail dresses and LBDs, which are defined by their short(ish) length, are often one and the same. One of the reasons neither will ever go out of style is that there are myriad ways to play “mixologist” with the spare, neat LBD to give it just the kick you want. Cheers!
The little black dress plays such a starring role in our wardrobes that it has its own special designation: the LBD.
In 1926 Vogue dubbed a drawing of one of her snappy, drop-waisted LBDs, “The Chanel ‘Ford’—the frock that all the world will wear.”
From the moment Coco Chanel presented it to the world in the 1920s, the eternal dress became a canvas that almost every designer wanted to weave something of their own into. Although it has moved away from its basic principles, the little black dress has retained the same charm and the same note of seductiveness it once had, and new variations, as with every season so far, also graced the runways in the fall/winter 2024 collections.
Ultra-short models shone on the runways from Tom Ford, Schiaparelli, Givenchy, Giambattista Valli to Ferragamo, as well as many others, proving once again that the little black dress is a garment that will function in every collection and that will, ultimately, also surely be worn. Although the models of these fashion names differ and each has brought their own vision to the iconic dress, what they have in common is that they all serve as a good reminder that the charm of the little black dress does not fade and that we will always return to it, precisely because it is so timeless and versatile.
From the moment Coco Chanel presented it to the world in the 1920s, the eternal dress became a canvas that almost every designer wanted to weave something of their own into. Although it has moved away from its basic principles, the little black dress has retained the same charm and the same note of seductiveness it once had, and new variations, as with every season so far, also graced the runways in the fall/winter 2024 collections.
Ultra-short models shone on the runways from Tom Ford, Schiaparelli, Givenchy, Giambattista Valli to Ferragamo, as well as many others, proving once again that the little black dress is a garment that will function in every collection and that will, ultimately, also surely be worn.
Although the models of these fashion names differ and each has brought their own vision to the iconic dress, what they have in common is that they all serve as a good reminder that the charm of the little black dress does not fade and that we will always return to it, precisely because it is so timeless and versatile.
If you can even believe it, 2025 is here And with the exciting new year comes exciting new fashion trends. At last September’s fashion weeks, designers gave us a glimpse of what to expect come 2025, and we’re here to let you know that there’s SO much to get excited about. From the new ‘It’ shade of pink (hint: it’s not Barbie!) to whimsical textures like ruffles and lace and even funky new ways to style those joggers that you already own, 2025 fashion is just as much about wearability as it is about glamour.
The major fashion trends that you’ll be seeing everywhere next year, are some wearable goodies that would look oh-so-great hanging in your newly updated wardrobe.
Yes, you can be on trend wearing what you already own – this one is alllll about the styling. Athleisure has been trending for a while, obviously, but we’re here to tell you that come 2025 it’ll be totally normal to incorporate your athletic wardrobe into your daily outfits.
Wear a tracksuit with a miniskirt, style a workout tank with trousers, etc. It’s the year of the mini, but not just mini… Micro. Yes, we’re talking about hot pants! They’re the younger, cooler, itsy-bitsy version of your favourite summer shorts. Wear them with sheer tights underneath or go totally bare. The whimsical moments this year , from lace to ruffles and everything sheer. It’s not just stripes that are in, it’s stripes on stripes on – you guessed it – more stripes. This maximalist trend is about the joy of wearing all the stripe combos you can think of… all at once. Pattern mixing is back, people!
T here were many members of the Academy for Administrative Professionals at Hotel Sapphire gathered from all corners of Sri Lanka to take part in thier annual Christmas party celebrations recently,Christmas Splendour organised by Batch 21 students.This event featured a rainbow theme, fashionable attire and gifts from Santa Claus.
Many women added sparkle to the evening, headed by the Chairperson, Dr. Sunethra Nugawela. Attired elegantly in a black silk, saree she made a fashion statement, The evening attraction was the remarkable speech stressing the importance of unity and dedication of past and present students. The evening was full of glamour, glitz and camaraderie followed by a grand dinner
. She expressed confidence that the upcoming Emerald Anniversary celebrations of AAP, will be held in April 2025 marking a another significant milestone for the organisation
Pix by Thushara Attapathu
By Zanita Careem
Sri Lanka won global recognition at the recently concluded hair and beauty competition organised by the Hairdressers and Cosmetologist Association held in Cambodia .This prestigious event was held under the leadership of Sahan Gunasekera who led Sri Lanka’s team of hairdressers to this vibrant city.
The outstanding contributions of former President Suraj Gunasekera who served for 27 years, played a vital role in the growth of this association in Sri Lanka.
This association has 17 member nations participating, and Sri Lanka is one of the member countries along with China, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, Korea, Mongolia, Japan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Macau, Taiwan, Indonesia, Australia, Vietnam and Nigeria.
This event marked a significant milestone for Sri Lanka’s hair and beauty industry, offering a global platform to showcase local talent.
This year Sri Lanka’s hairdressing and cosmetology team from different salons across Sri Lanka took part. They were namely Anita Vinayangakathan, Nitharshana Tilaxan, N. Yamuna, Suluxsana Sivakumary, Pushpalatha Vijayaranger and Sasikala Thambirajah. Anita emerged as the proud winner by becoming the second runner-up in the bridal makeup category, bringing immense pride to Sri Lanka’s beauty industry.
Hasini Gunasekera, present President of APHCA, also the brand ambassador for Seri Naturals said “Anita’s achievements to be the second runner up, showcased local talent bringing recognition and fame to Sri Lanka in the global beauty landscape.
Notable industry pioneers M/S Deepika Gunasekera, Ms Henry Vijayasingam and Hasini Gunasekera were part of the judging panel, lending their expertise to the competition and brought great admiration,honour and praise to Sri Lanka.Make-up artists and hairstylists from Sri Lanka who took part in this prestigious event in the vibrant city of Cambodia who played the host attracting delegations, contestants and judges form all over the region.
History was rewritten for Sri Lanka
as the Sri Lankan winner was announced. The beauticians who took part expressed excitement at participating in this grand finale overseas. “We considered this as a challenge and a stepping stone for all us us to qualify ourselves for other major international events”
‘We want to thank Hasini Gunasekera President (APHCA) for organising such a wonderful event. It was a new experience and a new beginning to compete internationally” said one of the competitors.
APHCA continues to be a driving force in elevating the beauty industry standards across member countries providing professionals with opportunities for learning development and innovation The 29th APHCA will be held at Taiwan on October 2025.
Established in 1997, APHCA was conceived to strengthen camaraderie among fellow hairdressers and cosmetologists in the Asia Pacific region, and helps to create an environment where member states can interact and build a network with fellow members.
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