The Colorful History of the Little Black Dress

Versatile, dependable, and affordable, the Little Black Dress, or “LBD,” has become the fashion equivalent of a Model T Ford. In this illustrated lecture, historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., explores the history of this fashion icon. Learn how Chanel helped dissociate black from mourning, how Audrey Hepburn helped establish the LBD; and how it has been reinvented by everyone from Betty Boop to Prada.

About the Presenter:

Leslie Goddard is an award-winning actress and scholar who has been presenting history programs for more than fifteen years. She holds a Ph.D. from Northwestern University specializing in American studies and U.S. history as well as a master’s degree in theater. A former museum director, she is the author of three books on history and currently works fulltime as an author and public speaker.