Slowly developing into one of the world’s most central capitals of fashion, China has emerged as the new target market for international luxury brands such as Chanel – who has set its sights on the country for its next endeavor of brand awareness and growth. Working with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Shanghai, the brand recently opened a new exhibit, two years in the making, called Culture Chanel – a retrospective of the life of legendary designer Coco Chanel.
The exhibit celebrates the brand’s long heritage and focuses on Coco Chanel’s life experiences, iconic designs and artistic inspirations (including her friendships with Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali and Igor Stravinsky) through the development of five major themes: origin, abstraction, invisibility, liberty and imaginary. Spread over the full two-floor museum, over 400 pieces of clothing, art, manuscripts, jewelry, photographs and films are on display, including 100 on loan from museums and private collections. The exhibit also celebrates the sway that Chinese culture had on Chanel’s designs over the course of the last century, even influencing those of Karl Lagerfeld today. Its aim is to capture the spirit of the late Coco Chanel – her spirit, emotions and influences at the height of her career.
The exhibit will run until March 14, 2011 – unfortunately, for Northwestern fashion enthusiasts, just shy of spring break, but that’s why we have the Internet.
—Sara Chernus
