dress: December 2012

Yes, yes, I know....every season, someone proposes a 'new black.' This year it's burgundy, another year it will (or has been) navy, steel, whatever.

But for me, black will always be the only black.

That being said.... how do we keep black fresh and interesting? CONTRAST.

Black on black... so many variations.

BLACK AND SHEER

EMILIO PUCCI

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Mango Model: Anna Selezneva Photographers: Knoepfel & Indlekofer Styled by: Géraldine Saglio Sweaters collared shirt jacket blazer leather bags silk pj pants prints black neutrals grey grays

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VERSACE

BLACK AND FAUX FUR

ASHLEY B

Tweed and Faux fur Haute Couture dress-coat, Fall/Winter 2012

CHARLOTTE byMYRIAM

STREET STYLE EAR CUFFS GOLDLEAF EAR CUFF FUR SNOOD LEATHER JACKET TRES AWESOME FOR THE WEARIST

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JONES NEW YORK

fur maxi skirt---thick winter long skirt black skirt faux fur skirt wool skirt wool dress winter dress winter coat winter jacket

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FLUFFY with FLAT

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A soft black velvet bodice, with a tiered boa skirt makes this dress a perfect piece for any holiday occasion. - 36” from shoulder to hem - Dropped waist - Silk Velvet, Boa - Made in New York City #TAIGANHOLIDAY

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SHINY with MATTE

PEPLUM TOP STREETFSN NAM FASHION WEEK STREET STYLE MILAN TAYLOR TOMASI HILL CELINE COBALT BLUE CLUTCH POUCH BELT FUR

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if there's one thing I need more of in my life, it is black sequins.

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STELLA McCARTNEY

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CHRISTIAN DIOR

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AND, ALWAYS, LEATHER MIX

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ARRA

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BURBERRY

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PARIS FASHION WEEK STREET STYLE SS SPRING SUMMER 2013 ELIN KLING BLACK KNIT SWEATER LEATHER PANTS STUDDED BELT VIA ELLE

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Madeleine Vionnet believed that "when a woman smiles, then her dress should smile too."

Madeleine Vionnet was a French fashion designer who, in the 1920's, secured her place in fashion history by introducing the bias cut. (Merci mille fois, Madeleine!) Both her bias cut and her urbanely sensual approach to couture remain a strong and pervasive influence on contemporary fashion as evidenced by the collections of such past and present-day designers as Ossie Clark, Halston, John Galliano, Comme des Garçons, Azzedine Alaia, Issey Miyake and Marchesa.

TIMELESS DESIGN

Vionnet gowns photographed by Edward Steichen in Vogue, October 1930.

VIONNET 2013 RESORT

1938

TIBI 2011

2009 BARNEYS NY

DONNA KARAN 2012

1938-39

VIONNET 2013 RESORT

1931

VIONNET 2013 RESORT

Vionnet Georgette Jersey Asymmetric Drape Gown SS2013

1931

LANVIN 2013

1933

CACHAREL 2012

1938

VIONNET RESORT 2011

1938

VIONNET 2011

GIVENCHY 2010

1928

JEN KAO

The more I admired the fluidity and elegant allure of the Vionnet style, the more I wanted to add it to my own wardrobe. However, I'm not one to spend more than a couple of hundred dollars on a dress, much less thousands. So I looked around for more affordable versions, and found these (many being on post-holiday sale)... ENJOY!