Loading

In 1954 Coco Chanel, then 71 years old, re-opened her fashion house, which had been closed since 1939. Although Europeans estimated the first collection as “old-fashioned”, the American fashion press reacted positively. The suits introduced by Chanel became a particular success. This informal elegant style, which stood in stark contrast to the rigid corset-stiffened creations of other French fashion designers, helped Coco Chanel make her comeback a success. This knee-hugging suit at the Kunstgewerbemuseum has all the hallmarks of a typical Chanel suit: a slightly fitted jacket with fourpatch pockets and collar and lapels that form a deep V-neck. This offers a clear view of the fresh coloured chequered blouse that is colour-matched to the fabric of the suit. The jacket is double-breasted. Its long narrow sleeves are set high and end in piping, set with two buttons à la marinière and adorned with practical button-in, white pique cuffs. The hemlines of both jacket and blouse are weighed down with a gold coloured curb chain that guarantees a perfect fit. The zipper on the slightly flared four-panel skirt is integrated into the left rear side seam.

Details

  • Title: Blue Suit with Blouse
  • Creator: Gabrielle „Coco“ Chanel
  • Creator Lifespan: 19.8.1883 - 10.1.1971
  • Creator Nationality: French
  • Creator Gender: Female
  • Date: ca. 1965
  • Rights: Photo © bpk - Photo Agency / Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz / Stephan Klonk │ Text © Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz / Christine Waidenschlager
  • Provenance: 2005 Uli Richter collection, estate of Ebelin Bucerius, Kunstgewerbemuseum, Staatliche Museen zu Berlin - Preußischer Kulturbesitz
  • Proof of manufacture: Woven white on black label in jacket neckline: Chanel
  • Place of origin: Paris, France
  • Length: Jacket: fl./bl. 59 cm, skirt: fl./bl. 60 cm, blouse: fl./bl. 57 cm
  • ISIL no.: DE-MUS-018417
  • Type: Suit
  • External Link: http://www.smb.museum/museen-und-einrichtungen/kunstgewerbemuseum/home.html
  • Medium: Blue-black-turquoise woven wool jersey, silk, plain weave multicoloured plaid, wild silk look Lining: dark blue silk taffeta, ten brass-coloured buttons with lions head motif

Additional Items

Blaues Kostüm mit Bluse

Blue Suit with Blouse

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Flash this QR Code to get the app
Google apps