The New LBD

From left: Hermes ; Dior ; Jil Sander

As the saying goes, “adapt or die”, and so it is with the evolution of the forever foolproof little black dress. Primed for fashion’s conservative mood next season, Pre-fall’s renditions scale back on the cocktail factor for some all-occasion pragmatic chic – from intellectual tunics (Hermes and Celine) to simple fit-and-flares (Dior). To paraphrase Margaret Thatcher, success is a mix of flair, hard work and a certain sense of purpose.