The little black dress (LBD) was popularizedand effectively invented as a modern fashion stapleby French designer Coco Chanel in 1926. At a time when black was largely associated with mourning, Chanel introduced Liane Black Floral Off Shoulder Mini Dress Women's Black Dresses Little Black Dresses Cotton Traders The first little black dress designed by Coco Chanel ushered in the long reign of a fashion staple.