Ninety years after Vogue dubbed Coco Chanel's simple short black 'Ford' dress 'the frock that all the world will wear', the perfect Little Black Dress continues to be every woman's most sought after fashion essential. At its classic best, the LBD doesn't just make its wearer look beautiful and stylish; it empowers her too. Dress it up, pare it down, wear it forever - the Little Black Dress is a fashion essential.

From the bold, dramatic designs of Zandra Rhodes to the eye-catching LBDs by Vivienne Westwood, from Elizabeth Hurley's iconic safety pin Versace number to the tight off-the-shoulder Christina Stambolian dress worn by Princess Diana, Vogue Essentials: Little Black Dress celebrates the very best of the LBD.

Published simultaneously with Vogue Essentials: Lingerie. This irresistible new series from Conran Octopus and British Vogue explores the key pieces in a stylish woman's wardrobe and features photographs from Vogue's peerless archive of more than a million pictures.