Meet the frock stars
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When Vogue magazine debuted Coco Chanel's tailored black sheath in 1926, the publication predicted the "little black dress" would become "a sort of uniform for all women of taste." They were right, of course. Over the years, the classic frock has retained its simple yet sophisticated soul while reflecting the times: Consider Audrey Hepburn's iconic Givenchy dress in "Breakfast at Tiffany's" in 1961 and, in 1994, Liz Hurley's Versace creation held together, infamously, with safety pins.
So what does the little black dress look like in 2008? As part of the Labouré Center's annual fall fashion show, local fashion students submitted their ideas, and a panel of designers and style experts judged the little black dresses on construction, fit, and wearability, selecting six semifinalists to show their creations at a fashion show and fund-raiser on Sunday.
Two students from Massachusetts College of Art and Design - May Aye, 24, and Samira Vargas-Pena, 29 - took first and second prize, respectively. Aye won a $10,000 scholarship, and Vargas-Pena a $5,000 scholarship. They'll be presented with their awards at the event, at University of Massachusetts Harbor Campus Center ballroom from 1 to 4 p.m.
"In the end, it was the least trendy pieces that won," said South End designer Sara Campbell. "The winners really followed through in the execution of their creativity, they really brought their designs to life. That is what put them over the edge." - KATE M. JACKSON
School: Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Design inspirations: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis and Audrey Hepburn
LBD: V-neck sleeveless dress with empire waist. "I designed the dress with a basket-weave pattern for the empire waistband and from the waist down is pre-pleated georgette," she said. "The knee-length dress also has a cropped jacket attached to a scarf. You can easily go from day to night, sexy to sophisticated in just a second with the help of a cropped jacket and a hat."
School: Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Design Inspirations: Geoffrey Beene, Madame Gres, Oscar de la Renta, Karl Lagerfeld, John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga
LBD: Cap-sleeve dress with a combination of princess and mermaid style lines. "My dress was inspired by the '40s and '50s decade - particularly Audrey Hepburn - and was created with linen and satin-charmeuse fabrics. I added a black linen/black-and-white herringbone reversible bolero jacket and a pair of black lace gloves with sequins. I wanted to create contrast with different textures: opaque and shine, pleats and pin tucks."
Age: 21 Hometown: Cheshire, Conn.
School: Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Design inspirations: Betsey Johnson, John Galliano, Nina Ricci, Elie Saab
LBD: Knee-length sheath with diagonal pleats. "My little black dress was inspired by the original Chanel dress. I used stretch cotton and a silk charmeuse. To add versatility to the dress, there are three ways the dress can be worn. The main dress is strapless with a thin black belt. There are two removable strap options and belts to dress it up or down."
Age: 24 Hometown: Falmouth
School: Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Design inspirations: Roland Mouret, Brian Reyes
LBD: Knee-length, cap sleeves, form-flattering. "Sexy does not have to be revealing. It is self-confidence that ultimately makes a woman sexy. This is done by revealing the seductive shape of the woman's body and not the skin. My dress is something that you would feel comfortable wearing to a board meeting, yet when worn at night, you will be noticed."
Age: 26 Hometown: Montevideo, Uruguay
School: School of Fashion Design, Boston
Design inspirations: Donna Karan, Christian Dior
LBD: Strapless A-line dress with empire waist. "My dress is made of black silk taffeta, organza and brocade. Its built-in bustier and silk organza underlining make it the perfect dress for a cocktail party, a black-tie event or even out dancing. My design was inspired by Audrey Hepburn, but the exaggerated tie-like detail in the front of the dress was sort of a nod to Diane Keaton's Annie Hall."
Age: 21 Hometown: Ridgewood, N.J.
School: Lasell College
Design inspirations: Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Donna Karan
LBD: Knee-length dress with pearl embellishment. "My dress has six straps that drape over the shoulders. These straps and the bottom of the dress are embellished with pearls that give it more of an elegant look."
