Fashion

Unprecedented Success for the Gabrielle Chanel Exhibition in London

Cécilia Pelloux

By Cécilia Pelloux26 septembre 2023

The Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto exhibition opened on September 16th at the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A) in London and is already sold out. The very first exhibition dedicated to the work of Coco Chanel in Great Britain has become one of the V&A's greatest successes.

Exposition Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto au Victoria & Albert Museum (CHANEL)
The Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto exhibition, originally presented in Paris, has been redesigned and expanded by the V&A, highlighting Chanel's unique relationship with Great Britain (DR)

The Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition, originally initiated in Paris in 2020 and reopened in 2021 by the Palais Galliera, Museum of Fashion of the City of Paris, has been reimagined by the V&A. "This exhibition is much larger than the one in Paris, with over 100 new items, including 60 new looks," explained Connie Karol Burks, Senior Curator at the V&A. In total, 200 models have been brought together for the first time, along with accessories, perfumes, and jewelry. "This exhibition allowed us to research and delve into Gabrielle Chanel's relationships with Great Britain and London. The fantastic archival research we conducted once again demonstrated that Chanel's pieces from the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s are still as modern for our time," said the curator.

Chanel's British influence is on full display, from the tweed shades to the elegant details. Each dress is a testimony to this cultural fusion (CHANEL)

Coco Chanel remains an endless source of inspiration for new generations of designers. Her style transcends ages and eras, both timeless and unmistakably recognizable in today's fashion: comfortable, easy-to-wear clothing with a unique elegance. Its rapid success within days is proof of the enduring appeal that the legendary designer has for a wide audience. While tickets are currently sold out, becoming a museum member is one of the solutions proposed by the V&A.

This exhibition is Britain's tribute to Gabrielle Chanel, the designer chosen by the Royal Family in the 1920s (CHANEL)

"In the digital age, direct contact with objects, clothing, and the venue's scenography remains essential; it triggers emotions that inevitably leave an impression on the visitor. An outfit, an object, a photo, or a film can captivate them. This ability to make an impact cannot be replaced by a screen," explained Connie Karol Burks. Through ten thematic sections, visitors discover Chanel's innovative approach to fabrics, silhouettes, and structures. Gabrielle Chanel was a free woman, a true pioneer in fashion creation who became a legend.

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