V&A

V&A Opens First UK Exhibition Dedicated To The Work of Pioneering Fashion Designer Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel

by

A timeless style for a new kind of woman.

Gabrielle Chanel, 31 rue Cambon, 1937, Paris. Photo: Roger Schall/Condé Nast/Shutterstock

Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto is the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, charting the evolution of her iconic design style and the establishment of the House of CHANEL, from the opening of her first millinery boutique in Paris in 1910 to the showing of her final collection in 1971.

Step into the Timeless World of Coco Chanel at the V&A

Ladies and gentlemen, fashion enthusiasts of all ages, get ready to be transported into the captivating world of Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. The V&A unveiled “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto,” the first-ever UK exhibition dedicated to the iconic French couturière whose influence continues to shape the way we dress today.

This spectacular exhibition traces the evolution of Coco Chanel‘s unparalleled design style, from her humble beginnings opening her first millinery boutique in Paris in 1910 to the grand finale of her career in 1971. With nearly 200 stunning looks gathered for the first time in history, along with accessories, perfumes, and jewelry, this showcase promises to be a fashion lover’s dream come true.

The House of CHANEL Reimagined

This exhibition, based on the successful Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition organized by the Palais Galliera, Fashion Museum of the City of Paris, has been reimagined by the V&A, featuring over 100 new objects, including a staggering 60 new looks. It’s not only a celebration of Chanel’s timeless designs but also a tribute to the groundbreaking work of this legendary designer.

Visitors will have the chance to explore rarely seen pieces from the V&A’s collection, along with exquisite looks from the Palais Galliera and the Patrimoine de CHANEL, the heritage collections of the House of CHANEL in Paris. Highlights include an iconic Chanel garment from 1916, costumes designed by Chanel for the Ballets Russes production of Le Train Bleu in 1924, outfits worn by Hollywood stars Lauren Bacall and Marlene Dietrich, and ensembles from Chanel’s final collection in 1971.

V&A exhibition “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto,”

Coco Chanel: A Pioneer Ahead of Her Time

Coco Chanel designed with a vision – not just for the women of her era but for the modern woman, one who was independent, active, and stylish. Through ten themed sections, this exhibition dives deep into Chanel’s innovative approach to fabric, silhouette, and construction. Her creations laid the foundation for a new era of fashion in the 20th century, redefining the concept of elegance.

From her early days as a milliner to her iconic little black dresses and British-inspired tweed ensembles, Coco Chanel’s influence is evident throughout the exhibition. She was a trailblazer who anticipated the needs and desires of women and designed clothing that empowered them.

Chanel’s Iconic Contributions

As you journey through the exhibition, you’ll explore key elements of Chanel’s legacy:

Towards A New Elegance: Discover Chanel’s early career as a milliner and how it led to her expansion into clothing. Minimalism and precision characterized her designs, setting her apart from the ornate fashion of her time.

The Emergence of a Style: Explore Chanel’s signature style, marked by clean lines, fluid materials, and a simplistic color palette that offered both practicality and elegance. This section also delves into her use of textiles and British influences.

The Invisible Accessory: Learn about the creation and impact of Chanel’s iconic perfume, N°5, and her foray into makeup and skincare.

Luxury and Line: Explore Chanel’s eveningwear, characterized by inventiveness, classicism, and an emphasis on the female form.

Closing the House: Witness the impact of World War II on Chanel’s personal and professional life and her triumphant return to fashion in 1954.

The Suit: Marvel at the defining garment of Chanel’s post-war era, the Chanel suit, which remains a timeless classic.

Chanel Codes: Discover how accessories were fundamental to Chanel’s vision of a harmonious silhouette, including the iconic Chanel 2.55 handbag and two-tone slingback shoes.

Into the Evening: Explore Chanel’s eveningwear collections from the late 1950s onwards, characterized by richly decorative fabrics and intricate patterns.

Costume Jewellery: Learn about Chanel’s distinctive costume jewelry that challenged conventions and became a hallmark of her style.

A Timeless Allure: Conclude your journey with Chanel’s evening dress collections, showcasing her continuous refinement of her quintessential style until her final collection in 1971.

Don’t Miss the Timeless Allure

The exhibition runs from September 16, 2023, to February 25, 2024. Tickets are available from £24, with concessions at £16. Be sure to grab your chance to step into the world of Coco Chanel and witness the legacy of a woman whose designs continue to inspire and influence fashion today.

As Coco Chanel herself said, “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

So, whether you’re a fashion aficionado, a history buff, or simply appreciate timeless elegance, make your way to the V&A and experience the magic of Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto – a journey through style, innovation, and the enduring impact of one of the greatest fashion icons of all time.

Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto
Exhibition presented in partnership with Palais Galliera, Fashion Museum of the City of Paris,
Paris Musées
With the support of CHANEL
The Sainsbury Gallery
16 September 2023 – 25 February 2024

Costumes for Le Train Bleu, by Gabrielle Chanel, 1924. Museum no. S.837-1980. © CHANEL / Photo: Nicholas Alan Cope / Courtesy of Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Dazzling Couture Christmas Tree Installation Unveiled by V&A

by

V&A unveiled couture Christmas Tree installation for 2022, designed by Korean fashion designer Miss Sohee. Every year to celebrate the festive period, the V&A Museum London commissions a designer to create a Christmas tree for the museum’s Grand Entrance at Cromwell Road. These unique installations range from lavishly decorated real trees to hand-crafted twists on … Read more

Largest collection of legendary Fabergé Imperial Easter Eggs on display in London

by

  Inside the Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution exhibition at Victoria and Albert Museum, London  Although Carl Fabergé’s firm ceased to exist, the myth crystallised around the Imperial Easter Eggs and the demand for Fabergé pieces has endured with his designs continuing to inspire, captivate and delight. Largest collection of Fabergé Easter Eggs in … Read more

The Iron Anniversary: Fabergé is hatching surprise collaboration with The Game of Thrones

by
@ Imperial Class Fabergé Game of Thrones Egg

 

A new surprise collaboration is fusing Fabergé’s superior craftsmanship and artistic ingenuity with one of the 21st century’s most iconic TV series.

The luxury jewelry house Fabergé announced a new surprise collaboration with Warner Bros. Consumer Products to
commemorate the extraordinary story of HBO’s award-winning television series, Game of Thrones.

“Co-designed by our Designer, Liisa Tallgren and Michele Clapton, the Emmy and BAFTA winning costume designer
from HBO’s Game of Thrones, this one-off work of art is history in the making and offers a unique opportunity for one individual to acquire a modern day heirloom for future generations.” – Fabergé

The timing couldn’t be better, with April 2021 seeing Game of Thrones celebrate the 10th anniversary of its debut episode – a major milestone dubbed “The Iron Anniversary”. This global year-long celebration will be a chance for fans to revisit the most unforgettable moments of the world’s biggest television series, and the jewel in the crown will be the Imperial Class Fabergé Game of Thrones Egg.

Fabergé Designer, Liisa Tallgren worked closely with Game of Thrones’ Costume Designer Michele Clapton to create an intricate and enchanting design which tells the tale of Daenerys Targaryen’s quest to take her place on the Iron Throne.

@ Imperial Class Fabergé Game of Thrones Egg

This one-of-a-kind bespoke creation is symbolic of Daenerys’ dragon eggs, while intertwining subtle nods to her stand-out costumes which celebrate the landscape around her and her evolving story arc. The design choices are informed by Daenerys’ journey from orphaned exile to conquering monarch and her ongoing quest for the Iron Throne.

Continuing Fabergé’s long tradition of combining the expected with the unexpected, this piece holds even more tales within. The egg opens to reveal a beautiful surprise in the form of a crown sat majestically atop a glistening crystal base. This is a miniature version of the crown that would have been presented to Daenerys should she have held the Iron Throne, set with a pear-cut ruby responsibly sourced from Gemfields’ Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique.

“I knew instantly what the secret gift should be, there was never a doubt; it had to be the crown that Daenerys believed throughout her life was her destiny. With the crown, I referenced her dragons, their wings sweeping around protecting the beautiful Gemfields ruby that represents Daenerys, her house colour, and her fierce quest to rule.”  – Michele Clapton.

@ Imperial Class Fabergé Game of Thrones Egg
@FABERGÉ EXHIBITION AT V&A

 

FABERGÉ EXHIBITION AT V&A

Opening this November, the V&A announced Fabergé in London: Romance to Revolution, the first major exhibition
devoted to the international prominence of the legendary Russian goldsmith and the importance of his little-known London branch. With a focus on Fabergé’s Edwardian high society clientele, the exhibition will shine a light on his triumphs in Britain as well as a global fascination with the joyful opulence of his creations. Three of his legendary Imperial Easter Eggs will go on display for the first time in the UK as part of the exhibition’s dramatic finalé.

Showcasing over 200 objects across three main sections, the exhibition will tell the story of Carl Fabergé, the man, and his internationally recognised firm that symbolised Russian craftsmanship and elegance – an association further strengthened by its connection to the romance, glamour and tragedy of the Russian Imperial family.

Unknown to many, the exhibition will explore the Anglo-Russian nature of his enterprise with his only branch outside of Russia opening in London in 1903. Royalty, aristocrats, American heiresses, exiled Russian Grand Dukes, Maharajas, financiers with newly-made fortunes, and socialites flocked there to buy gifts of unparalleled luxury for each other. Fabergé works were as popular in Britain as they were in Russia.

@FABERGÉ X @GARO SPARO

FABERGÉ X GARO SPARO

In celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility, Fabergé partnered with International Fashion Designer, Costume Designer, Couturier, Glover and Corsetier, Garo Sparo Atelier, in their latest video in collaboration with Slay Models.

“I am so excited to present this collection to you all! 2020 had been a challenging year and while it was tough, our instinctive nature to stay strong and create gave resilience to our endangered community. Mother is about honoring the majesty of the planet and all its wonders.” – Garo Sparo

This fashion film was conceptualised and directed by Cece Asuncion and Anthony Kimata and is the first of its kind as the entire cast of models are from Slay Model Management – the world’s first and only Trans-Exclusive modelling agency. The jewellery featured includes creations from Faberge Frédéric Zaavy and James Ganh high jewellery collections.

@FABERGÉ X @GARO SPARO

The handbag proves fashion’s great survivor

by

The popularity of the V&A’s new exhibition and the resilience of bag sales, proves our love of It bags is here to stay

The museum of everything: do you have time to look at 150,000 exhibits?

by

In a world first, Rotterdam’s Boijmans museum has put its entire collection on display in a mammoth new warehouse. As the V&A considers a similar experiment, is this ‘open storage’ model the future?