THE STORY OF: Coco Chanel's Little Black Dress 29Secrets A century ago, Coco Chanel redefined fashion with one bold creation: the Little Black Dress!, What critics once called too plain became the very definition of elegance, versatility and power., Today, Short dress with rhinestone butterflies The Little Black Dress's Lost Underclass Origins The Atlantic The first little black dress designed by Coco Chanel ushered in the long reign of a fashion staple.