Shirt, ca. 1935–37
Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (French, 1883–1971)
Wool
Technical Glossary
Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (French, 1883–1971)
Wool
Gift of Mrs. Michael Blankfort, in memory of her mother, Mrs. William Constable Breed, 1976 (1976.29.7)
In this example, Chanel uses striped jersey to create a dramatic and jaunty sports shirt. She purposefully designed the garment on the bias to create interest with diagonal lines, angles, and intersections. The tie at the neck refers to a sailor's dress, just one of the working-class examples of men's wear from which she drew inspiration. This shirt continues the boyish "Garçonne" look Chanel championed in the 1920s. The pairing of this particular fabric with the cut of the blouse creates a signature Chanel sportswear look.
