There is something to be said for icons - things, people and places that hold special resonance in our hearts. Fashion wise there is only one true iconic item of clothing. It was the uniform of woman of yesteryear like Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and the same item which has found favour with a new generation on the likes of Sarah Jessica Parker and Jessica Simpson.
(Pictured looks L-R: Lanvin, Chloe, Lanvin)
Now known only by three letters, the LBD (little black dress) is so well loved that when the winter collections made their way down the catwalk in Paris, Milan, New York and New Zealand fashionistas cooed with delight. With black being the new black it seems only fair that the Little Black Dress gets its day in the spotlight.
nzgirl has found the best, so make sure you've got one in your wardrobe:
Vivacious Vintage If you are a fan of vintage then you will be pleased with what designers and chainstores have in their collections this season and into the next. You can go for lace detailing at Dotti, bows and silk at Karen Walker or even indulge in a bit of true vintage at your favourite op shop or vintage store. Try flirting with the 50s, the latest collection from Mala Brajkovic is so successful you’ll kick yourself later if you don’t get in on the act . The ‘50s meet 06’ range of bubble dresses and nipped waists are so girly and funky they will live in your wardrobe for years. I love the pictured black and grey belted dress from Mala, sure it may not be completely black, but for something this cute you have to let it slide.
Not your Nana's There are some who don’t like vintage. If it has a ribbon or a bow, it's not going in their wardrobe and cinched in waists can be left to other people. Don’t worry, you have not been forgotten and there are a range of hot new little black dresses coming made from luxe fabrics, but using more modern cuts and detailing. Drop waists, military lines, splashes of colour and sexy detailing make these dresses contemporary and fun. In many cases they can be worn a number of ways making them true investment pieces. Pictured is the perfect happiness plunge neck dress hot off the runway from Sass and Bide. It would look hot layered over a bright tank with contrasting heels or over denim with boots.
Streetwise Let's face it, black goes with nearly everything (or is it everything goes with black?) so it makes sense that you invest in something for everyday. A black shirting dress can take you from day to night by using clever accessories, whilst a simple black sheath can double as a long tank or something to cover up with at the beach. The choices for streetwise and classic black dresses are endless this season but the best have been from Kiwi label Chalky Digits. It’s called the Spunky Jungle dress and this well cut take on the belted shirt dress really is a must have. It will be one of the few items to take you from the boardroom to the beach with just a change of shoes.
Runway Ready If your bank balance is anything like mine it will be saying “there is no way that you will ever afford that Chanel runway dress”. With all honesty as beautiful as those runway designs are to look at, I am going to spend most of my life doing that, just looking, so finding a dress that channels that Versace design is a good idea. Runways are showing a lot of volume for winter 06; layered fabrics, bubble skirts and cuts which create form and movement. I'm loving this Beckina Ballerina dress from Dotti - this runway ready dress has the sleek volume of the Chloe, Lanvin and Marc Jacobs runway shows at a fraction of the price.
Super Sexy It’s the seductress in the little black dress that will spring to mind for many. The vampy girl in heels luring men (and women) away with the power of a bit of black chiffon and silk. You can pick one up from your favourite chainstore, check out the latest beautiful collection from Babara Lee, or you can go with the most obvious choice. Wheels and Doll baby make as they say “Clothes to snare a millionaire.” and have many fans amongst the Hollywood celebrity set who snap up their cute tees, sexy lingerie and drool worthy dresses. Designs like the pictured President Dress are stocked in New Zealand by the lovely folk at Boudoir but the range is also available to purchase online from wheelsanddollbaby.com.
Anya Merryfield
Last updated: 30/04/2008
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If you are a fan of vintage then you will be pleased with what designers and chainstores have in their collections this season and into the next. You can go for lace detailing at 
There are some who don’t like vintage. If it has a ribbon or a bow, it's not going in their wardrobe and cinched in waists can be left to other people. Don’t worry, you have not been forgotten and there are a range of hot new little black dresses coming made from luxe fabrics, but using more modern cuts and detailing. Drop waists, military lines, splashes of colour and sexy detailing make these dresses contemporary and fun. In many cases they can be worn a number of ways making them true investment pieces. Pictured is the perfect happiness plunge neck dress hot off the runway from 
Let's face it, black goes with nearly everything (or is it everything goes with black?) so it makes sense that you invest in something for everyday. A black shirting dress can take you from day to night by using clever accessories, whilst a simple black sheath can double as a long tank or something to cover up with at the beach. The choices for streetwise and classic black dresses are endless this season but the best have been from Kiwi label 
If your bank balance is anything like mine it will be saying “there is no way that you will ever afford that Chanel runway dress”. With all honesty as beautiful as those runway designs are to look at, I am going to spend most of my life doing that, just looking, so finding a dress that channels that Versace design is a good idea. Runways are showing a lot of volume for winter 06; layered fabrics, bubble skirts and cuts which create form and movement. I'm loving this Beckina Ballerina dress from 
It’s the seductress in the little black dress that will spring to mind for many. The vampy girl in heels luring men (and women) away with the power of a bit of black chiffon and silk. You can pick one up from your favourite chainstore, check out the latest beautiful collection from