The French fashion industry has reached a significant milestone with the launch of an exhibition that pays tribute to the legendary designer and founder of Chanel, Gabrielle Chanel. Titled “Gabrielle Chanel, Fashion Manifesto,” this exhibition is a momentous event as it marks the reopening of the fashion museum and stands as the first retrospective in France devoted to celebrating the work of this iconic couturier.
With the exhibition curated by Miren Arzalluz, the director of the museum, and artistically supervised by Olivier Saillard, visitors are treated to a magnificent showcase divided into ten chapters. The exhibition displays a stunning collection of 350 pieces, culled from the museum’s own archives, as well as contributions from partner museums and private collectors. Spanning a massive 1,500 square meters, this immersive experience features archival photographs, precious objects from the fashion house’s heritage, exquisite jewelry, accessories, and perfumes.
The chronological narrative takes visitors on a fascinating journey, starting with Gabrielle Chanel’s formative years. Each chapter unveils the evolution of Chanel’s distinctive style, beginning with the iconic striped jersey sailor tops of 1916 and transitioning to the elegant little black dresses that became emblematic of the roaring twenties. The exhibition also highlights the sophisticated gowns that captivated fashion lovers in the 1930s. Furthermore, the contribution of Chanel N°5, one of the most famous fragrances in the world, is honored with a dedicated room. The exhibition thoroughly explores Gabrielle Chanel’s entire career, shedding light on her struggles during times of war and her renowned rivalry with Christian Dior.
The second part of the retrospective delves deep into the brand’s iconic fashion codes. Visitors will encounter the signature tweed suits, crafted with precision and elegance, alongside the quilted 2.55 handbag that has become an iconic symbol of the Chanel brand. The exhibition also focuses on the luxurious jewelry that is considered an essential accessory for the Chanel silhouette, showcasing its timeless beauty. Additionally, the renowned colors of black and beige, synonymous with Chanel’s sophisticated aesthetic, are given special attention.
Chanel has displayed its support for the exhibition by funding the renovation of the museum’s galleries, which have now been named after the brand’s founder. The fashion house has also recently contributed to the restoration of another quintessential Parisian venue, the Grand Palais, which has been the site of numerous Chanel fashion shows.
Fashion enthusiasts and Chanel devotees can immerse themselves in the captivating life and legacy of Gabrielle Chanel at the “Gabrielle Chanel, Fashion Manifesto” exhibition from October 1, 2020, to March 14, 2021, at the Palais Galliera in Paris. This unprecedented retrospective provides a unique opportunity to embrace the influence and inspiration of one of the most remarkable figures in the history of fashion.
For more information about the exhibition and ticket reservations, visit the official website of the Palais Galliera: (link). For those interested in exploring more about the heritage and creativity of Chanel, an additional resource can be found on the official Chanel website: (link).
