As one of the most successful fashion houses in existence, Chanel owes much to the templates first laid down by its founder - Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel (1883-1971). Some of her most celebrated designs, such as the two-piece suit, the little black dress and the quilted handbag, remain in vogue to this day. Chanel designed first and foremost for herself: by creating clothes fit for an independent and active lifestyle, she anticipated the needs and wants of the modern woman. This beautiful book showcases a stunning array of Chanel's most notable designs from her 60 years in fashion, largely drawn from the collections of the Chanel Patrimoine, Paris and the V&A. It examines the cut, construction, embellishment and provenance of the ensembles, as well as the design themes and motifs Chanel returned to throughout her career. Newly commissioned photographs of the selected pieces, together with archival images, capture the design evolution of thie fashion icon.

Published to accompany the V&A's exhibition 'Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto' (16 September 2023 - 25 February 2024)

About the Author
Oriole Cullen is Senior Curator Exhibitions at the V&A. Connie Karol Burks is Exhibition Project Curator at the V&A.

Reviews
Featured in 'The Times' Four more essential coffee-table books to buy now, 4th October 2023 -- 'a beautiful coffee table book' - Knightsbridge London Christmas gift guide: for her, November 10th 2023 -- Featured in Citizen Femme Christmas Gift Guide 2023: For Her, November 20th 2023 -- '... more than enough material to delight even the most fastidious style aficionado.', Jack Moss, Wallpaper*, 19th December 2023 -- 'beautiful' Best Fashion Coffee Table Books, Orin Carlin, Hellomagazine.com, January 2024



Book Information
ISBN 9781838510398
Author Oriole Cullen
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint V & A Publications
Publisher V & A Publishing