Dress

Karl Lagerfeld|House of Chanel|House of Chanel

spring/summer 1983, edition 2015 · silk, synthetic stones, metal · Costume Institute

In his first collection for Chanel in 1983, Karl Lagerfeld demonstrated his respect for the tradition of its founder, Coco Chanel (1883–1971), as well as his ability to bring new life and contemporary relevance to her work. This design from that first effort cites one of her favored looks, a black dress adorned with a mass of costume jewelry. Lagerfeld’s embroidered trompe l’oeil baubles, executed by the specialist House of Lesage, are a witty take on Chanel’s embrace of fake jewelry.

Artist

Karl Lagerfeld|House of Chanel|House of Chanel

Date

spring/summer 1983, edition 2015

Medium

silk, synthetic stones, metal

Culture

French

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of CHANEL, in honor of Harold Koda, 2016