Fashion Manifesto: Chanel's Evening Designs 1909 to 1939

Join couture expert and Chanel collector Claire Shaeffer to visit the Chanel Fashion Manifesto at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. In this vlog, Claire focuses on the early years 1909 to 1939 and highlights Chanel's evening designs with close ups of interesting details. She explains picot edges, flou designs, petersham, rolled and pin hems. This vlog was developed for everyone interested in Chanel, fashion, garment construction, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. Sit back, relax, and be inspired.

[@noeljordanracca723]

Thank you so much Claire for sharing Chanel’s early designs. Impeccable construction!

[@claireshaeffer7616]

You are so welcome!

[@aroundtheworldfibers]

Thank you for these wonderful videos. I've always adored Chanel, especially the skirt/jacket suits. What a beautiful collection you have. In this video, the velvet/cotton 1932 dress and the 1939 crosgrain/chiffon bodice with the silk chiffon skirt are favorites. I've recently returned to sewing after a long time away. I've actually been sewing since I was about 8 yrs. old. Won my first award at 11. I tailored all my business suits for work - when everyone dressed formally for the office and quality wool was readily available to buy locally. I miss those days. I'm glad I at least bought your beautifully designed jacket pattern V8333, years ago. Of course now I wish I'd bought more as you might imagine. Small sizes are not easy to find.

[@saundrayork767]

I love your videos! I watch each one over and over again; and I learn more each time. Thank you!

[@youleks]

Thank you so much for another great video-explanation! It's been an absolute pleasure to listen to your commentary. I visited the exhibition in December and was amazed by the intricacy and timelessness of the early designs.

[@deidrabenson361]

Thanks so much for sharing this video! Loved it!❤️❤️❤️

[@cfttify]

Thank you for your honesty and knowledge .. care and passion !
X

[@hinas_for_life]

Another great video, thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@claireshaeffer7616]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@joangibson859]

Amazing garments and workmanship. However, I would not envy those wearing the sequinned covered ones. Ouch!! I have personally found that through sequinned sweaters and suit tweeds.

[@claireshaeffer7616]

I totally agree!

[@Eliza-br2so]

I’m curious about the extent of the collaboration between the house of chanel and their embroiderers in the east. Would chanel have drawn out a detailed design of what they wanted done, or would they have given a general idea and then let the embroiderers come up with their own design? Or maybe these motifs were something the embroiderers were already doing, and chanel picked what they wanted from a catalog? I suppose it would’ve been too expensive for French couturiers to have in-house beaders and embroiderers, but I’d imagine some would’ve wanted more control over the look.

[@claireshaeffer7616]

Eliza, Generally, embroiderers would make samples, then the designer would select and make changes. There is a book about the Russians in Paris: Beauty in Style. This link might get you to Amazon. Ask your librarian if she can get it for you through inter-library loan. There is also some info on Wikipedia about the House of Kitmir.
www.amazon.com/Beauty-Exile-Nobility-Revolution-Influenced/dp/0810957019/ref=sr_1_1?crid=LYS1LKQD85SO&keywords=beauty+in+exile&qid=1704319616&sprefix=Beauty+in+Exile%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1

[@Eliza-br2so]

@@claireshaeffer7616 I'll track it down, thank you for the recommendation