Karl Lagerfeld has been the designer-in-chief for Chanel since 1983. This evening dress demonstrates Lagerfeld's deep understanding of fashion history. The dress references Chanel's 1930s romantic period which was characterised by lace and tulle evening gowns influenced in turn by mid-to-late 19th century fashions. However, by including a corset with this dress, Lagerfeld reverses Chanel's own removal of understructures such as petticoats and corsets early on in her career. Thus under Lagerfeld, the House of Chanel continues to reference its own history but also to evolve.