CHANEL, Two-Piece Wool Suit, 1960s
When I think of Chanel, I imagine stark black and white contrasts in boxy silhouettes, metallic and pearl accessories, and heavy wool blends. Mix these together and you have a recipe for the perfect Chanel suit.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the founder and namesake to the fashion house, turned the industry on its head with her androgynous approach to women’s clothing. She emphasized comfort and simplicity in all her designs and dared to utilize men’s clothing as inspiration. This 1960s, two-piece, wool suit represents the core ideals of all Chanel creations by playfully intermixing traditional feminine and masculine shapes. The form-fitted, mid-knee length skirt offsets the prominent shoulder structure of the jacket. Buttons on the cuffs and center closure are emblazoned with the classic double “C’s”.
The suit embodies not only the innovative character of all Chanel fabrications, but sets the bar for quality workmanship and design.
This burgundy cloche hat attracted my attention because of its color and style. This style of hat was most popular in the 1920s, and most associated with the Flapper style of the Roaring Twenties.
This dress caught my interest immediately because of its multiple design elements. Made for a woman, who could be only five feet tall at the most, this dress encompasses many different embellishments. The piece was made between 1875-1876 yet, it is in excellent condition. The green, beige, and orange striped paisley print itself is eye-catching. Then added on top are brown velvet bows, a row of buttons, a trimmed ruffle on each side, a bustle, a collar, button-trimmed pockets, and cuffs. For this look, more is more. It took a bold, confident woman to wear this dress.
