Gabrielle Chanel
‘FASHION MANIFESTO’ EXHIBITION AT THE VICTORIA AND ALBERT MUSEUM, LONDON
Unveiling the Elegance
The Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto exhibition, opening this Saturday, marks the UK's first dedicated showcase of the renowned French couturière, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. The exhibition traces the evolution of her iconic design style and the establishment of the House of CHANEL, spanning from her initial millinery boutique in Paris in 1910 to her final collection in 1971.
The V&A's Spectacular Exhibition
Featuring nearly 200 ensembles, alongside accessories, perfumes, and jewelry, the exhibition delves into Chanel's pioneering approach to fashion design, which redefined elegance and continues to shape contemporary women's attire. This unique presentation, inspired by the Palais Galliera's original exhibition in Paris, is reimagined by the V&A and includes over 100 new items, including 60 new looks. It showcases seldom-seen pieces from the V&A's collection, alongside items from Palais Galliera and the Patrimoine de CHANEL, the fashion House's heritage collections in Paris.
Notable highlights encompass Chanel's earliest surviving garment from 1916, costumes she designed for the Ballets Russes production of Le Train Bleu in 1924, outfits tailored for Hollywood icons Lauren Bacall and Marlene Dietrich, and an early instance of Chanel's groundbreaking evening trousers. The exhibition also explores Chanel's innovative use of fabric, silhouette, and construction techniques, emphasizing her role in shaping 20th-century fashion.
Chanel's British Influences and Timeless Legacy
Furthermore, the display underscores Chanel's British influences, including her use of tweed, collaborations with British textile firms, and her textile factory in Huddersfield.
Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration and the opportunity to showcase historic Chanel garments from the V&A collection, acknowledging Chanel's enduring impact on fashion.
Miren Arzalluz, Director of the Palais Galliera, emphasized Gabrielle Chanel's legacy of creating a timeless, comfortable, and casually elegant style that transcends extravagance, reflecting the evolving role of women in society.
Bruno Pavlovsky, President of CHANEL SAS and CHANEL Fashion, celebrated the exhibition as an analysis of Gabrielle Chanel's groundbreaking contribution to fashion, her modern vision, and her profound influence on women's aspirations and societal roles. CHANEL is honored to support this project and provide access to the Patrimoine de CHANEL, acknowledging the V&A's prestigious role in hosting this exceptional exhibition.
This exhibition chronicles the exceptional journey of Gabrielle Chanel, the trailblazing founder of the House of CHANEL, through ten captivating sections :
1. Towards A New Elegance: Witness the birth of Gabrielle Chanel's career as a milliner and her early expansion into clothing, marked by her signature minimalism and precision.
2. The Emergence of a Style: Explore how Chanel revolutionized fashion in the 1920s and 1930s with her clean lines, practicality, and elegance, including her British influences.
3. The Invisible Accessory: Discover the world-changing impact of Chanel's iconic perfume, N°5, and her foray into makeup and skincare.
4. Luxury and Line: Delve into Chanel's eveningwear, celebrating her mastery of proportion, materials, and the elusive "allure."
5. Closing the House: Trace Chanel's life during WWII and her triumphant return to fashion in 1954, reaffirming her modern vision.
6. The Suit: Spotlighting Chanel's post-war contribution, featuring over fifty iconic Chanel suits, an embodiment of modern femininity.
7. Chanel Codes: Uncover how accessories became integral to Chanel's style, exemplified by the enduring 2.55 handbag and two-tone slingback shoes.
8. Into the Evening: Explore eveningwear as a pivotal part of Chanel's later career, with exquisite cocktail suits and opulent fabrics.
9. Costume Jewellery: Witness Chanel's groundbreaking approach to costume jewellery, rejecting conventions and drawing inspiration from diverse sources.
10. A Timeless Allure: The grand finale, celebrating Chanel's enduring evening dresses and her continuous refinement of her quintessential style until her final collection in 1971.
