Overblouse
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.
Artwork Details
- Title: Overblouse
- Design House: House of Chanel (French, founded 1910)
- Designer: Gabrielle Chanel (French, Saumur 1883–1971 Paris)
- Date: 1930–35
- Culture: French
- Medium: wool
- Credit Line: Gift of Mrs. Michael Blankfort, in memory of her mother, Mrs. William Constable Breed, 1976
- Object Number: 1976.29.7
- Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute
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