GABRIELLE CHANEL...Fashion Manifesto

If you're a long time follower of Eva-Mae on social media, you'll probably know that I love a Victoria and Albert Museum Exhibition - in particular the fashion related ones! Over the years I've been to many, including "Dior...Designer of Dreams" back in 2019 which I featured on my blog and is actually my most read blog post ever! If you'd like to take a look, click here.

Of course when I heard that a Chanel exhibition was appearing, I knew I HAD to visit but as with all popular exhibitions, tickets sold out as soon as they were released! The exhibition was extended but again tickets continued to sell out sooo I decided to treat myself to a V&A membership, which includes entry to all exhibitions. Train tickets were booked and off I went on a lovely day trip to London!

Now if you have a read my Dior blog post you'll see how much I loved that exhibition and didn't think any other could come close, but, my word, Gabrielle Chanel absolutely did!

Seeing all the designs up close is really something special and as you can imagine I took quite a few photos! Don't worry, I won't feature them all on here as you'll be looking forever so here's a selection of my favourites. Hope you love them!

The exhibition was the first in the UK dedicated to the work of Chanel, featuring almost 200 looks beginning at the opening of her first Millinery Boutique in 1910 through to the showing of her final collection in 1971.

Mariniere Blouse, by Gabrielle Chanel, Spring/Summer 1916.

Bows featured in many of Chanel's designs, something which we are seeing a lot of today - These pieces really were timeless!

Dress by Gabrielle Chanel, 1935.

"The Little Black Dress"

Dress worn by Delphine Seyrig in "Last Year at Marienbad.

Designed by Gabrielle Chanel, Spring/Summer 1961.

Chanel's first scent name relates to the sample number given by her master perfumer, Ernest Beaux, (No.5) However it is also believed that the number five was Chanel's lucky number - she presented her collections on the fifth of each month, a tradition that still continues today.

Blue Silk Evening Dress by Gabrielle Chanel, 1932.

Just one of Gabrielle Chanel's iconic suits which featured in a room with over 50 others!

PEARLS held a special place in Gabrielle Chanel's style, using them in a wide range of her jewellery as well as buttons on suits. They became Chanel's hallmark and are still a popular choice today.

SYMBOLS AND MOTIFS

Symbols and motifs were an important part of Gabrielle Chanel's life and work. The interlocking C's first used on her perfume bottles in the 1920's also appeared later in her jewellery designs.

The lion's head, for her star sign Leo, was embossed on buttons and medallions. Other motifs used included, flowers, wheat sheaves and stars.

EARRINGS - Chanel design made by Robert Goosens in the 1960's, featuring gilded metal, copper, imitation pearls and diamantes.

Obviously these were my favourite! (IYKYK!!!)

Yes please to all these gowns!

Doing what I do for a job and loving how, even the simplest of accessories can tell a story, this quote really stood out to me:

"From the start, Chanel knew the importance of a handbag and shoes, jewellery and gloves, to add a touch of brilliance or an element of surprise. From as early as 1927, French Vogue praised Gabrielle Chanel for understanding that "accessories carry the mark of personality."

The classic nature of all Gabrielle Chanel's pieces means that they are still very much loved today, none more so than pearls which I am more than happy about. From beautiful bridal accessories to a simple pair of pearl earrings - pearls have a way of adding the perfect finishing touch!

Birthstone Pendant, Lily Hair Vine, Freshwater Pearl Studs - Just a few of the many pearl creations available at Eva-Mae Jewellery.

CURRENT V&A EXHIBITIONS THAT YOU MAY LIKE TO SEE

There are two exhibitions on at the moment that I haven't seen but I think will be amazing to take a look at if you're planning a trip to London!

The first is the Taylor Swift Songbook Trail - a free trail across the V&A with a range of Taylor's iconic looks on display. This closes on Sunday 8th September, so you will need to be quick if you'd like to see it! Find out more here.

Also available is Naomi in Fashion - Exploring the career of fashion model Naomi Campbell, this exhibition is running until Sunday 6th April 2025. Find out more here

If you enjoyed this blog post, I'd highly recommend keeping an eye out for any future exhibitions at the V&A - they never disappoint!

Let me know in the comments if you have visited any, I'd love to know that you thought of them.

Thanks for reading,

Marie x

Explore further here:

Victoria & Albert Museum Website

Chanel Website

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