Chanel will unveil a grand exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, presenting 200 images that trace the iconic fashion house’s journey. The show promises a vivid glimpse into Chanel’s creative evolution, offering visitors a curated experience that blends archival photography with legendary garments, set against a backdrop of contemporary design sensibilities.
The display highlights include the pink tweed two-pieces sported by actress Lauren Bacall during a 1959 appearance in Biarritz and the minimalist black silk pants worn by fashion editor Diana Vreeland in New York. These standout outfits anchor the narrative of Chanel’s enduring style, illustrating how the house has balanced feminine elegance with practical, modern silhouettes across decades.
This iteration of Chanel: Fashion Manifesto expands significantly beyond its Paris and Melbourne versions. Of the 200 ensembles featured, 122 are new to this London presentation. Among the fresh items are pieces from the personal wardrobe of mid-century supermodel Anna Gunning, generously donated by her family after her passing in 1990. The addition of these intimate pieces broadens the story to include the intimate connections between Chanel and the generation of models who helped shape its enduring image.
The exhibition surveys Chanel’s seventy-year career, beginning with the earliest artifacts and extending to contemporary statements. The oldest item on display is a 1916 sailor-neck blouse, while the most recent piece is a pale pink dress from the house’s latest collection. The timeline offers visitors a direct line through fashion history, showing how a single house can continuously redefine elegance while adapting to changing cultural contexts, materials, and technologies.
The show presents Chanel through a lens of innovation, craftsmanship, and audacious styling, inviting audiences to consider how the brand’s legendary concepts—comfort, cut, and quiet luxury—have influenced designers and wardrobes worldwide. It is a compelling reminder that Chanel’s impact extends beyond the runway into everyday wear, editorial shoots, and the enduring language of style that persists across generations.