Join dressmaking expert Sue Clark as she examines a luxurious, sparkly CHANEL trouser suit, made in 1937 – 38 for American Fashion Magazine Editor, Diana Vreeland.

Designed at a time when women would have worn dresses rather than trousers for formal occasions, the glistening bolero jacket, matching loose, straight leg trousers and delicate lace and chiffon blouse would have made quite an entrance.

Watch as Sue discusses Gabrielle Chanel's inspiration and takes a close-up look at the tiny hand-sewn tucks on the blouse, along with the clever directional placing of the sequins to achieve a striking effect.

00:00 Introducing Diana Vreeland
00:56 Gabrielle Chanel's influence and fabrics
01:59 Inspiration for the trouser suit
02:43 Examining the piece (unmounted)
03:46 Trouser construction
05:10 Bolero jacket construction
06:37 Lace blouse construction
09:00 Trouser suit structure (mounted)
10:24 A timeless design

Find out more about the Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/gab...

See more CHANEL Fashion Unpicked videos:    • Fashion Unpicked  

See more couture in our Fashion collection: https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fas...