Evening belt
Design House House of Chanel French
Designer Gabrielle Chanel French
Not on view
Chanel's design principles are evident even in her accessories. Although rhinestones adorn the center ornament of this belt, the textile is a knit, not a more formal fabric one might expect to see paired with the elaborate buckle. In fact, the belt may have originally been part of a knit ensemble, in keeping with Chanel's belief that faux jewels were appropriate for day wear, as well as for more formal occasions. Both the way in which the belt opens -- at the sides, not at the center ornament -- and the fact that it is a custom piece which cannot be adjusted for size, indicate its couture origins as much as the "Chanel" mark does.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
