In addition to her revolutionary knit sportswear innovations, Chanel's evening wear from the 1920s gave the illusion of metal metamorphosed into supple knits with her use of metallic lace, lavish embroidery, and beading. The exquisite workmanship was executed by Chanel's own embroidery workshop. This example features metallic lace and sequins applied in tightly overlapping rows. The ornament of the dress, in both pattern and color palette, resembles the Asian lacquered screens which the designer loved and collected.

Open full-size image