One of the most revered designers of the 20th century, Coco Chanel (1883–1971) made an enduring impact on the fashion world. It is the authority and mastery of her work, the resonance of her image of the modern woman as articulated in her designs, and the autobiographical infusion of influences in her collections that confirm her iconic stature. In this exhibition, the spirit of the House of Chanel echoes vibrantly with an unprecedented presentation of more than 50 designs and accessories from the Museum’s Costume Institute collection, Chanel Archives, and other international institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The exhibition examines the history of the House of Chanel thematically, revealing ideas and elements of biography as they were expressed in Chanel’s work. Period examples are juxtaposed with the work of Karl Lagerfeld, who joined the House of Chanel in 1983, revitalizing its spirit and identity. Through Lagerfeld’s interpretations and refinements, the historic importance of Chanel is both defined and asserted for the modern woman.

The exhibition and its accompanying catalogue are made possible by CHANEL.

some images from the CHANEL exibition...


Gabrielle Chanel
Evening Dress and Bolero (back view)
1937
Black cotton lace with black silk grosgrain ribbon ties and black rayon underslip
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of Yann Weymouth, 1981



Gabrielle Chanel
Evening Dress and Bolero (detail)
1937
Black cotton lace with black silk grosgrain ribbon ties and black rayon underslip



Evening Dress and Bolero (front)
1937
Black cotton lace with black silk grosgrain ribbon ties and black rayon underslip

Evening dress
1927-28
Blue silk net with radiating pattern of graduated blue paillettes



CHANEL by Gripoix
Camellia Brooches
1930-1941
Multicolored enamel, stone, glass, ceramic, rhinestones in gilt metal mounts

CHANEL by Karl Lagerfeld
Belt
Ca. 1985
Gilt metal chain and medallions



CHANEL by Karl Lagerfeld
Day Ensemble
Prêt-à-porter, spring/summer 1995
Shirt jacket of black wool; pants of white linen



CHANEL by Karl Lagerfeld
Day Suit
Prêt-à-porter, spring/summer 1994
Jacket and skirt of ivory cotton bouclé with crocheted black rubber braid trim; blouse of ivory silk twill yoke with black striped ivory cotton jersey

CHANEL by Karl Lagerfeld
"Coromandel" Evening Ensemble (detail)
Haute Couture, autumn/winter 1996-97
Coat of black silk organza over-embroidered in black, gold, and red sequins and bronze seed beads in Chinoiserie motives; catsuit of black nylon and polyester blend elasticized knit



Gabrielle Chanel
1935
Photo Hoyningen-Huene
All rights reserved
This image may not be cropped or modified.



Gabrielle Chanel
1936
Photo by Cecil Beaton
This image may not be cropped or modified.

Gabrielle Chanel
Circa 1937
Mademoiselle Chanel in her apartment 31 Rue Cambon, Paris, circa 1937
This image may not be cropped or modified.



Gabrielle Chanel
1935
©Man Ray Trust / ADAGP Paris 200
This image may not be cropped or modified.



Evening Dress
1925
Black silk chiffon

Gabrielle Chanel
Evening Dress (back)
Ca. 1937
Peach silk lace and tulle with matching silk crêpe de chine underslip



Gabrielle Chanel
Evening dress (detail)
Ca. 1937
Peach silk lace and tulle with matching silk crêpe de chine underslip



Gabrielle Chanel
Evening dress (front)
Ca. 1937
Peach silk lace and tulle with matching silk crêpe de chine underslip