Launching this past weekend, “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” marks the inaugural UK exhibition celebrating the legacy of the renowned French fashion pioneer, Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel. The exhibit traces the remarkable journey of her iconic design sensibilities and the foundation of the CHANEL fashion house, spanning from the inception of her inaugural millinery boutique in Paris in 1910 to the unveiling of her ultimate collection in 1971.

Showcasing nearly 200 unique looks, along with accessories, perfumes, and jewelry, the exhibition highlights CHANEL’s groundbreaking fashion influence.

“We are happy and honored that the first exhibition dedicated to Gabrielle Chanel to be held in the UK, will be presented at the V&A, one of the most prestigious museums in the world,” said Bruno Pavlovsky, President of CHANEL SAS and President of CHANEL Fashion. “Gabrielle Chanel was a legend in her own lifetime. This exhibition will analyze her contribution to fashion and her radical vision of a style that created modernity and reflected the aspirations of women and the evolution of their place in society.”

“Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto” unfolds in ten captivating sections, unveiling the ingenuity of CHANEL’s founder. “Towards A New Elegance” starts by delving into Gabrielle Chanel’s early career as a milliner and her journey into clothing design. “The Invisible Accessory” highlights the inception and global influence of Gabrielle Chanel’s debut fragrance, N°5, seamlessly extending her fashion vision. Chanel crowned it as her fashion house’s iconic emblem. “The Suit” shines a spotlight on Gabrielle Chanel’s post-war fashion legacy through an extensive display of over fifty ensembles in a variety of colors, spanning two levels.

The exhibition finale, “A Timeless Allure” celebrates evening wear and revisits the foundations that governed the CHANEL aesthetic.

The exhibition will be running from September 16, 2023, to February 25, 2024.