WHAT? Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto

WHERE? The Victoria and Albert Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 2RL

WHEN? Now until 25th February 2024 

WHY GO? To applaud a legend.  Beg, borrow or steal a ticket to this, the most talked about fashion exhibition of the year, if not decade!  The legendary name behind the boucle braided suit, little black chain bag and multi-layering of pearls, not forgetting the most recognisable perfume in the world, Chanel is the focus of a show that even she couldn’t have bettered as she forged a place in history. 

The buzz around this exhibition means that tickets are like gold dust, but it’s worth the wait.

From Chanel's humble beginnings to her final show, with letters, film clips, costumes and accessories, along with new archival evidence of her wartime activities, this retrospective reveals an enigmatic woman who was indeed complex but above all the creative genius who introduced a fresh modernity to fashion, allowing woman to be their most liberated selves. 

The finale, a brilliantly curated gallery of Chanel clothes look as desirable today as they were back then.  Chanel died at the age of 87 in 1971 but her legacy lives on forever.

IN THE KNOW  Want to own a Chanel bag?  Snap up the exclusive canvas tote that accompanies the exhibition, offered in black at £20 or beige at £25.  And for ‘fashionistas' the exhibition book is the perfect coffee table treat.