KCR Autumn 2023 FINAL low res - Flipbook - Page 11
Across ten sections, Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto showcases the exquisite skill and
innovation from the founder of the House of CHANEL
" Towards A New Elegance o昀ers an introduction to the beginning of Gabrielle Chanel9s
career as a milliner, opening her 昀rst boutique on the rue Cambon in Paris in 1910, and
further boutiques in the fashionable coastal resorts of Deauville and Biarritz. The
section outlines how the success of this business enabled her expansion into clothing.
It will feature one of the earliest surviving Chanel garments, characterised by
minimalism and precision 3 a streamlined way of dressing that contrasted with the
excessively decorative fashions of the day, and would lay the foundations of her design
principles.
" The Emergence of a Style focuses on how Chanel developed an immediately identi昀able
signature style in the 1920s and 1930s. With clean lines, 昀uid materials and a
simplistic colour palette, her understated designs were radical in their practicality yet
displayed a re昀ned elegance. Several sub-sections will also examine the role of textiles
and manufacturing, her use of embroidery in her designs and spotlight Chanel9s
famous little black dress. This section also includes Chanel9s British in昀uences and
business ventures, and her creations being worn on the theatre stage and silver screen.
" The Invisible Accessory showcases the creation and impact of Gabrielle Chanel9s debut
perfume N°5 which became the world9s best-selling fragrance. Designed as an
extension of her clothing and echoing her vision of modernity, Chanel made N°5 the
signature of her fashion house. This section will also explore the launch of Chanel9s
range of make-up in 1924 and skincare in 1927. Visitors will walk-through a gold tinted
installation referencing the iconic No°5 perfume bottle.
" Luxury and Line focuses on how Chanel9s eveningwear demonstrated a re昀ned mix of
inventiveness and classicism which subtly accentuated the female form. She
harmonised proportions and materials aiming to create garments which expressed
elegance, freedom and simplicity. The resulting designs conveyed the tension between
garment and body, described in French as the 8allure9. This section will also look at