Chanel 1970 Dress

The Chanel Ford dress was a calf-length black dress designed by Coco Chanel in 1962. Vogue magazine referred to the look as Chanel's Model T Ford, comparing it to the automobile made by Ford because, like the vehicle, the simple design of the garment was appealing to women from many social classes. On 1stDibs, find a collection of Chanel dresses.

To tell if a Chanel dress is real, examine small details. Embossed and painted motifs on buttons should be even and crisp, and all stitching should be tight and straight. Replicas often have imperfections that you can spot with a careful inspection. Experts suggest working with a professional in the field of vintage fashion when it comes to determining the authenticity of a Chanel dress. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of Chanel dresses from vetted sellers all over the world.

To tell if a dress is from the 1960s or 1970s, first look for a label. You may be able to determine the approximate date of the dress simply by researching the designer using reputable online sources. Also, check the zippers. Dresses from the 1960s will usually have metal or nylon zippers. Ones from the 1970s are more likely to be plastic. You'll find a large selection of vintage dresses on 1stDibs.

The designer who became famous with her wrap dresses in the 1970s is Diane von Furstenberg. She debuted her first example in 1974. When creating the Wrap dress, von Furstenberg drew inspiration from the skirts worn by ballerinas. In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the now-iconic dress, an exhibit called Diane von Furstenberg: Journey of a Dress was held at museums in the United States and abroad. On 1stDibs, explore a range of Diane von Furstenberg apparel and accessories.

What makes the Chanel little black dress so special has everything to do with what the garment symbolized and the era in which it materialized. Legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel revolutionized women’s wear, introducing a more casual, less constricting look for the early 20th century, and debuting uncomplicated skirts and jackets made of a cloth-like fabric called jersey that was considerably unconventional in the world of couture fashion. She set the fashion world alight in 1926 with an elegant but versatile black dress, which was simple and spare compared to other Jazz Age garments (and quite bold, as black was reserved for mourning). Importantly, the dress was affordable during a time of great financial difficulty and aimed at the broadest possible market. Find vintage Chanel dresses on 1stDibs.