This outfit has significance in terms of its design and fabrication. Since early this century, Chanel clothes have been synonymous with quality high fashion. The traditional Chanel design is easily recognisable and has had an enduring influence on 20th century women's fashions. This was particularly evident during the 1980s and in this year's fashion s many designers, both overseas and locally, have emulated the Chanel 'look' in their collections. In terms of fabrication, the ourtfit provides ample evidence of the high standard of tailoring and finish that the Chanel label is renowned for.

The ensemble was designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel. Karl Lagerfeld worked for Balmain and Chloe before joining Chanel as head designer in 1983.

The ensemble was designed for the 1991 Spring Summer pret-a-porter collection

The ensemble was chosen for the 1991 Fashion of the Year awards.

Ensemble, women's, wool / straw / leather / silk / pearl / gilt, with packaging, designed by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Paris, France, 1991

Day ensemble. Fluorescent pink, pure wool, boucle weave suit with black gros grain ribbon trim. Jacket, double breasted, semi fitted, long sleeves, v neckline, black and gold buttons. Skirt, short, straight. Suit bag, rectangular, waterproof, nylon bag with front centre zip. Hat, boater style, glazed black straw. Hat box and lid, oval, white cardboard with black lettering. Shoes, black leather slingback court with patent leather toes. Shoe bag, rectangular white cotton flannelette with drawstring top. Shoe box and lid, rectangular high gloss black paper covered white cardboard. Handbag, small "clutch" style purse in quilted black gros grain silk satin. Handbag storage bag, rectangular white felt bag. Handbag storage box, rectangular high gloss black cardboard. Earrings, circular "button" clip ons, with gilt and black border and central domed pearl. Earring storage box, rectangular high gloss cardboard. Carry bag, large rectangular stiff black gloss paper, silk braid handles. Coat hanger, moulded black plastic covered with black velour. Samples: plastic bag with pressure seal, sample of pink wool, sample of black gros grain ribbon and spare button.

Designed: Chanel; Paris, France

Designed: Lagerfeld, Karl; Paris, France

Made: Chanel; Paris, France; 1991


Used: Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences; Sydney; 1991

See parts for marks information

91/2020