A new exhibition opening at the V&A Museum will feature over 200 looks from pioneering designer Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel.
Celebrating a career that spanned six decades, Gabrielle Chanel, Fashion Manifesto explores the development of the House of CHANEL, from the opening of her first Parisian boutique in 1910 to her final collection in 1971.
Reimagined by curators at the V&A in partnership with Palais Galliera, the exhibition showcases the ground-breaking innovation and enduring legacy of the French couturière, and explores the evolution of her designs through ten themed sections.
Featuring pieces never before seen together, the collection includes original costumes designed for the Ballet Russes, pieces from her final collection, and one of the earliest surviving garments from 1916.
The exhibition will also celebrate the British inspirations which helped to shape Chanel’s work, including the use of tweed, and her partnerships with British textile factories in the North West.
Highlighting the far-reaching impact of Chanel’s design style, the exhibition tells the story of her influence on the history of fashion, and in the way women dress today.
Bruno Pavlovsky, President of CHANEL SAS and President of CHANEL Fashion, said: “Gabrielle Chanel was a legend in her own lifetime. This exhibition will analyze her contribution to fashion and her radical vision of a style that created modernity and reflected the aspirations of women and the evolution of their place in society.”
Gabrielle Chanel, Fashion Manifesto runs from 16 September 2023 – 25 February 2024 with tickets due to be released in June 2023. For more information and to book, visit the V&A Museum website.
Words by Kate Relton
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