V&A's Coco Chanel exhibition is going to be exquisite: here's why

The legacy of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel is being honoured in the first UK exhibition dedicated to the work of French couturière.

The V&A Museum in London will play host to a dazzling display of Coco’s most iconic designs, with collection highlights including the iconic photograph by Ed Feingersh of Marilyn Monroe playfully applying Chanel N°5, photograph in 1955 as well as a signature trouser suit, created by Gabrielle Chanel circa 1937. The exhibition is aptly titled: 'Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto.'

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"As one of the most successful fashion houses in existence, Chanel owes much to the templates first laid down by its founder Gabrielle Chanel, over a century ago," explained Tristram Hunt, director of the V&A. "We are delighted to be partnering with Chanel and the Palais Galliera on this exhibition, which provides us with the opportunity to explore the origins and elements of this enduring style and to display little-known historic Chanel garments from the V&A collection."

Long after Gabrielle’s passing her style continues to influence the way women dress today. The exhibition will chart the establishment of the House of Chanel and the evolution of her aesthetic. 

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© Michael Ochs Archives

"Gabrielle Chanel boldly redefined the modern women’s wardrobe," added Bruno Pavlovsky, president of Chanel fashion, "We are honoured and delighted that the V&A, such a world leading museum and great institution, will stage the first UK retrospective of her work. By showcasing her contribution to the history of fashion as well as the incredible relevance and permanence of the Chanel style, this exhibition will highlight one of the greatest visionaries of our time."

The exhibition officially opens Saturday, 16 September 2023. While limited tickets have become available to members of the V&A, there are more tickets scheduled for general release in June 2023.

© Roger Viollet

For those of you who can’t wait for your taste of Chanel, you’re in luck. It’s not long until the 2023 Met Gala takes place (on the first Monday in May of course) and this year’s theme is an ode to Chanel’s former creative director Karl Lagerfeld. 

Buy your tickets to ‘Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto’ here.

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