'LBD' gets a show of its own

The history of the little black dress is being told in a new exhibition.

It includes examples of this essential garment by designers from Amanda Wakely and Nicole Farhi to Zandra Rhodes.

Famous fashionistas are putting favourite examples into the exhibition at the Fashion and Textile Museum in Bermondsey.

Joanna Lumley has lent a Jean Muir frock while Grayson Perry, the artist and transvestite, has offered a black rubber number by specialist designers Squirky.

Model Erin O'Connor, who will open the exhibition tonight, said: "When I travel I always pack a little black dress. It's like a blank canvas which can be dressed up or down whatever the occasion."

Little Black Dress runs until 25 August.