The ‘Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto’ Exhibition Is Showing At The Power Station Of Art In Shanghai

See the fashion luminary's most emblematic designs for the house, including tweed suits, the 2.55 bag and more

The house of Chanel has a storied history, seeing extravagant fashion shows modelled after grocery stores and most recently, the opera, innovative designs like the Chanel Premiere Sound worn by Blackpink’s Jennie and more, but it all began with its founder, Gabrielle Chanel.

In a time of excess and restrictive dressing, Chanel envisioned liberating women of such silhouettes, creating minimal and timeless clothes like the marinière—a sailor blouse introduced in 1913—and the little black dress of the 1910s, spurring the maison’s journey to success.

Her legacy has inspired countless projects, including the Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto that had launched at the Power Station of Art in Shanghai that will run from 12 July to 24 November this year. The event comprises of two sections that puts Chanel’s singular approach towards fashion, one of elegance and simplicity, on display. The first introduces the house’s most notable designs from its infancy, ones which would continue to influence the label’s designs today.

The second section is dedicated to Chanel’s return to couture in 1954. Here, guests will see emblematic designs of the house: the braided tweed suit, two tone pumps and the quilted 2.55 bag along with other standout numbers like lamé suits paired with costume and fine jewellery. The exhibition ends off with a selection of models and two films showing the last collections Chanel designed for her brand.

Apart from fashion, Gabrielle Chanel Fashion Manifesto will also showcase well-loved beauty offerings, dedicating a room entirely to N°5, the iconic fragrance of the house developed in 1921.