The major new presentation, the first of its kind in the UK, charts the establishment of the house of Chanel and the evolution of Gabrielle Chanel’s iconic design style.
The influence of Chanel’s prolific output is undeniable and continues to influence the continuous flow of releases from the famed French fashion house, as well as having a wider impact on the way people dress today.
Born in 1883, the exhibition aims to chart the evolution of her designs and the history of the house of Chanel from the opening of her first millinery boutique in Paris in 1910 to the showing of her final collection before her death in 1971.
With displays ranging from tweed suits to an array of little black dresses – still a must-have item in the wardrobes of many today – the exhibition will be a significant drawcard for fashion lovers around the globe.
“Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” is the first British exhibition dedicated to the designer’s creations and longstanding influence on fashion and will run from . Some of the same collection was recently on show at the National Gallery of Victoria.
“One of the key influences that Gabrielle Chanel has had on the way we dress today is a sense of adaptability and practicality,” said Connie Karol Burks, curator of the department for textiles and fashion since 1900 at the V&A Museum.
“She was constantly thinking about movement and being comfortable and being able to enjoy wearing your clothes.”
Chanel No5 perfume Image / ReutersThe designer’s famous tweed suits, loose fitting and low-waisted dresses and dazzling evening gowns are among the outfits on display.
Her designs, accessories and perfumes, particularly Chanel No.5, were hits and today the Chanel fashion house, founded in 1910, remains one of the world’s most famous luxury brands.
Chanel died in 1971, aged 87. Late designer Karl Lagerfeld took over the luxury brand’s creative helm in 1984 and remained there until his death in 2019, when he was succeeded by current creative director Virginie Viard.
The Victoria and Albert Museum in London is the world’s largest museum of applied arts, decorative arts and design, housing a permanent collection of over 2.27 million objects.
‘Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto’ runs from 16 September until 25 February at London’s Victoria & Albert Museum.
