The LBD Project: A Century of Style & Collective Design

In 1926, Vogue published a drawing of a simple, long-sleeved black sheath by Coco Chanel, famously dubbing it “Chanel’s Ford”—implying it was simple and accessible enough for every woman, regardless of social class.

One hundred years later, the Little Black Dress remains the ultimate canvas for self-expression.

Join us on Monday, March 2nd at 6:30PM (Koelbel Library, Room A) for a collaborative design intensive where we honor the LBD’s centennial by planning our own custom versions. This isn’t just a sewing circle; it’s a collective brainstorming lab where we’ll dissect a century of fashion history to build a dress that fits your modern life.

• The LBD Timeline: A visual journey through the last 100 years—from Chanel’s 1920s rebellion and Audrey Hepburn’s 1960s elegance to the “revenge dresses” and grunge silhouettes of the 90s.
• Collective Design Lab: We’ll brainstorm silhouettes, necklines, and finishes as a group. Bring your sketches, Pinterest boards, or just your ideas! We’ll help each other solve design hurdles and choose the right “vibe.”
• Radical Interpretation: While it’s called the Little Black Dress, we believe in the “LBD Spirit.” Want to design yours in espresso brown, charcoal grey, or deep navy? The focus is on the utility and timelessness of the garment, not just the dye lot.
• Blueprint Planning: We’ll focus on the “how”—mapping out fabric requirements, construction steps, and hardware (zippers, buttons, or slips) so you leave with a concrete plan to start your build.

Whether you are a minimalist who wants a sleek slip dress or a maximalist dreaming of voluminous sleeves and taffeta, this workshop is about the architecture of a classic.

“I imposed black; it’s still going strong today, for black wipes out everything else around.” — Coco Chanel

• Focus: Design, History, and Planning (No sewing machines required for this session!)
• What to Bring: Inspiration images, a notebook, and your preferred “neutral” color palette ideas.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Association of Sewing and Design Professionals