Not currently on display at the V&A

Skirt Suit

1969 (made)
Artist/Maker
Place of origin

The unceasing popularity of Chanel’s suits did not deter her creativity or ability to stay in tune with changing fashion trends. Each season she updated her formula in line with the fashion Zeitgeist, offering fresh colours and fabrics, and tweaks to the silhouette and decoration. The focus on wearability and movement, however, did not change. In this ensemble, the classic characteristics of a Chanel suit have been melded with on-trend details that welcomed in a new decade. A simple, cream linen textile contrasts with playful elements in the cut and construction. The knee-length skirt features a series of box pleats that run halfway up the thigh, promising a pleasing movement and flair when the wearer walked. These pleats are reflected in the peplum jacket, where they emerge from the belted waist. Echoing the simplicity of the fabric, Chanel chose to finish the outfit with unadorned, flat-faced, round buttons.


Object details

Categories
Object type
Parts
This object consists of 2 parts.

  • Jacket
  • Skirt
Materials and techniques
Linen lined with silk, brass
Brief description
Jacket and skirt suit of linen and mercerised lined with silk, designed by Coco Chanel, Paris, Spring Summer 1969, Look no. 21
Physical description
Jacket and skirt suit of cream linen lined with cream silk.
Production typeHaute couture
Copy number
Look No 21
Gallery label
[Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition, September 2023 - March 2024] SUIT The unceasing popularity of Chanel’s classic suits did not deter her from staying in tune with the changing fashion landscape. Each season she updated her look in line with the latest trends, offering fresh colours and fabrics, and tweaks to the silhouette and decoration, as can be seen in this ensemble of 1969. A focus on wearability and movement were factors that did not change. Spring/Summer 1969 Linen and mercerised cotton V&A: T.159:1, 2-1998 Anonymous gift(16/09/2023)
Credit line
Anonymous gift.
Production
Reason For Production: Private
Summary
The unceasing popularity of Chanel’s suits did not deter her creativity or ability to stay in tune with changing fashion trends. Each season she updated her formula in line with the fashion Zeitgeist, offering fresh colours and fabrics, and tweaks to the silhouette and decoration. The focus on wearability and movement, however, did not change. In this ensemble, the classic characteristics of a Chanel suit have been melded with on-trend details that welcomed in a new decade. A simple, cream linen textile contrasts with playful elements in the cut and construction. The knee-length skirt features a series of box pleats that run halfway up the thigh, promising a pleasing movement and flair when the wearer walked. These pleats are reflected in the peplum jacket, where they emerge from the belted waist. Echoing the simplicity of the fabric, Chanel chose to finish the outfit with unadorned, flat-faced, round buttons.
Bibliographic reference
Cullen, Oriole and Karol Burks, Connie. "Gabrielle Chanel". London: V&A Publishing, 2023 p 266 The unceasing popularity of Chanel’s suits did not deter her creativity or ability to stay in tune with changing fashion trends. Each season she updated her formula in line with the fashion Zeitgeist, offering fresh colours and fabrics, and tweaks to the silhouette and decoration. The focus on wearability and movement, however, did not change. In this ensemble, the classic characteristics of a Chanel suit have been melded with on-trend details that welcomed in a new decade. A simple, cream linen textile contrasts with playful elements in the cut and construction. The knee-length skirt features a series of box pleats that run halfway up the thigh, promising a pleasing movement and flair when the wearer walked. These pleats are reflected in the peplum jacket, where they emerge from the belted waist. Echoing the simplicity of the fabric, Chanel chose to finish the outfit with unadorned, flat-faced, round buttons.
Other number
35926 - Couture number
Collection
Accession number
T.159:1, 2-1998

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Record createdFebruary 21, 2007
Record URL
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