Ensemble

ca. 1935

Not on view

Gabrielle Chanel is the designer most responsible for establishing the modern way of dressing that encompasses comfort, function and simplicity. The design of this ensemble represents continuity with work from Chanel's early career in Deauville, where she first began wearing and then making sporty clothes in humble fabrics inspired by menswear and working class garments. Instead of a more structured design for day wear, the softness of these pieces allows for complete freedom of movement and the reversible function of the sweater expands its versatility. The chief principles of Chanel's design sensibility are exemplified by these garments.

Artwork Details

Overview

Signatures, Inscriptions, and Markings

Title: Ensemble
Design House: House of Chanel (French, founded 1910)
Designer: Gabrielle Chanel (French, Saumur 1883–1971 Paris)
Date: ca. 1935
Culture: French
Medium: wool
Credit Line: Brooklyn Museum Costume Collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Gift of the Brooklyn Museum, 2009; Gift of Rodman A. Heeren, 1966
Object Number: 2009.300.414a, b
Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

More Artwork

By House of Chanel

In the same medium

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Dress, House of Chanel French, synthetic fiber, plastic (vinyl), French — Dress
Multiple artists/makers
fall/winter 1987–88

Ensemble, House of Chanel French, silk, glass, plastic, metal, French — Ensemble
Multiple artists/makers
spring/summer 2009–10

Ensemble, House of Chanel French, wool, silk, metal, glass, marcasite, plastic, French — Ensemble
Multiple artists/makers
fall/winter 2012–13

Evening dress, House of Chanel French, cotton, rayon<br/>b) (medium not available)<br/>c) rayon, French — Evening dress
House of Chanel
Gabrielle Chanel
1937

Evening dress, House of Chanel French, silk, rayon, horsehair, linen, French — Evening dress
House of Chanel
Gabrielle Chanel
1937–38

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