It may be a bit of a stretch to say that the robe à la française of the 18th century was what the LBD (aka: the little black dress) represents for our times: an always appropriate piece of costume that can be rendered in almost countless variations.
So much so, that we've perhaps forgotten the robe à l'anglaise, of which this is an example.
Just a reminder that that grace, suitability and flair still have a place. It is the difference between having clothes, and having a wardrobe.
- AP
