Dress thumbnail 1
Dress thumbnail 2
+12
images
Not currently on display at the V&A

Dress

1969 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

This dress once formed part of the wardrobe of its designer Gabrielle Chanel. Its extra thick tweed in a "point de Hongrie" or herringbone, created from particularly wide yarn, is an exaggerated version of a classic Chanel fabric while the bright colours are a witty update of this traditional textile. The tweed was produced for Chanel by Masérica. The buttons, located left of centre, and the unusual neckline lend this couture dress the air of a tunic.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Materials and techniques
Wool tweed, metal
Brief description
Dress of multicoloured tweed produced by Masérica, Chanel, Paris, France, Haute Couture Autumn Winter 1969
Physical description
Multicoloured wool tweed dress. Knee length with short sleeves, fitted waist and lined with peach silk. The dress is fastened by 7 round, black and gold buttons (placed slightly off centre to the left) and a set of press studs at the left shoulder. The dress is lined with peach silk.
Dimensions
  • Bust circumference: 80cm
  • Waist circumference: 76cm
  • Length: 102cm
Production typeHaute couture
Marks and inscriptions
  • Chanel
  • CHANEL vente de CHRISTIE'S 2 December, 1978
Object history
This dress was initially sold at the Christie's sale of 2 December, 1978. At that time, it was listed as coming from the wardrobe of Gabrielle Chanel.
Summary
This dress once formed part of the wardrobe of its designer Gabrielle Chanel. Its extra thick tweed in a "point de Hongrie" or herringbone, created from particularly wide yarn, is an exaggerated version of a classic Chanel fabric while the bright colours are a witty update of this traditional textile. The tweed was produced for Chanel by Masérica. The buttons, located left of centre, and the unusual neckline lend this couture dress the air of a tunic.
Collection
Accession number
T.375-2009

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdDecember 2, 2010
Record URL
Download as: JSON