No stylish woman’s wardrobe today is complete without the “little black dress”, which has evolved from a wardrobe staple into the ultimate expression of chic one. Thanks to Crystallized – Swarovski Elements, now this gorgeous necessity gives back.

Last year, Crystallized commissioned 22 of fashion’s best-known names and most talented newcomers to design one very special little black dress each, to be auctioned off in September 2010 at Phillips de Pury in New York City. One hundred percent of the proceeds of the auction, and of the sale of the catalogue, Crystallized Ways To Say Black, will go to the American Cancer Society and La ligue nationale contre le cancer in France.

The 22 dresses range from soigné shifts by Gianfranco Ferré and 3.1 philip lim, to frothy cocktail dresses by Lanvin and Alberta Ferretti, to seriously sexy gowns by Donna Karan New York and Giorgio Armani Privé. Each designer found brilliantly inventive ways to make use of Crystallized – Swarovski Elements: Vivienne Westwood added crystal mesh peplums to her taffeta party dress, Alber Elbaz suspended Crystallized – Swarovski Elements into a trompe l’oeil necklace, and Martin Grant completely covered his curvy short-sleeved shift with crystals to imitate the look of stingray skin.

Other designer participating at the Crystallized Ways To Say Black project are: Alexis Mabille, Azzaro, Boudicca, Catherine Malandrino, Diane Von Furstenberg, Fendi, Gaspard Yurkievich, Givenchy By Riccardo Tisci, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Marios Schwab, Missoni, Sonia Rykiel, Thakoon and Valentino. All 22 dresses are hand-made and completely one-of-a-kind, perfect distillations of the imaginations of their creators.

Cancer Society and La ligue nationale contre le cancer, it is also a chance to help save a life. For more information about the auction, including the date, time and viewing hours, please check www.crystallized.com/black, which will be updated as the event specifics are finalized.