As The V&A Announces Major Chanel Exhibition, We Take A Look At Our Favourite Chanel Catwalk Moments

Fashion fans rejoice! Earlier this week it was announced that London's V&A Museum is to stage a major exhibition solely dedicated to the work of the legendary French couturière Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel. After the success of Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, an exhibition organised by the Palais Galliera, Fashion Museum of the City of Paris, the exhibit is to be reimagined for the V&A featuring rare archive pieces from the museums collection.

Director of the V&A, Tristram Hunt, explains: “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. 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.”

The exhibition is the latest in a successful run of fashion focused exhibits celebrating designers from Christian Dior, Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams (2019), to Balenciaga, Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion (2017-2018). Cut to 2022 and it's currently Fashioning Masculinities: The Art of Menswear stealing the limelight at the museum. Exploring fashion's relationship with menswear the exhibit showcases iconic outfits from the viral Gucci gown worn by Harry Styles on US Vogue's December 2019 cover, to Billy Porter's 2019 Met Gala fuchsia pink cape designed by Randi Rahm.

Who is Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel?

Gabrielle Chanel first launched House of Chanel back in 1910, opening her first millinery boutique in Paris. Soon after, Chanel launched ready-to-wear in 1913 and by 1920 the fashion house's signature look was known as the 'Chanel Suit'. Throughout her work life, Gabrielle Chanel continued shape the Maison, and the wider fashion landscape, launching perfume (including the still-iconic Chanel No. 5), Haute Couture, jewellery lines and, of course, handbags. The 2.55 is one of the most in demand designs with vintage pieces selling for thousands on pre-loved signed online retailer Vestiaire Collective.

Chanel passed away in 1971 where she was said to still be designing collections (albeit no long for the fashion house) up until her death. Four years later, Karl Lagerfeld stepped in as as Chief Designer for Chanel where he would remain up until his death in 2019.

When can I visit the exhibition?

Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto will open on September 16th 2023 and run until the 25th of February 2024 (something to look forward to). Ticket details are set to be announced soon so keep your eyes peeled. And if you need something to keep you going until then, Africa Fashion opens in July, so there's plenty to see in the meantime!

And to get you in the mood, we've collated our favourite Chanel catwalk moments from years gone by...