MoMu loans top royal item to the pioneering Paris Coco Chanel retrospective
October 2, 2020
During the renovation of its own premises, MoMu is sticking to its promise to inspire elsewhere. A collection item has been sent to the fashion museum Palais Galliera, which launched its new exhibition ‘Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto’, as the very first Paris retrospective about Coco Chanel. For the occasion, MoMu is lending a unique three-piece Chanel suit, donated by H.R.H. Queen Paola of Belgium.
Following an informal visit in 2006, Queen Paola donated three of her own Chanel suits to MoMu. One of these, the loaned item, was worn on the first birthday of her eldest son – the present King Philip – in 1961. This timeless suit, also known as the ‘tailleur’, was first introduced by Chanel in the 1920s. The rest is history and it lives on thanks to style icons, such as Jackie O., Princess Diana and Rihanna, who have been spotted wearing the familiar garment over the decades.
The item loaned by MoMu is a magnificent and classic example of the brand with the two C's: beige tweed made of wool and silk featuring a discrete black and white check. The jacket has four buttons and pockets and is decorated with navy-blue edging, crocheted onto strips of red silk. The hem holds a heavy chain, creating a supple fit. The skirt is simple yet refined with four rows of piping at the front, resembling pleats, and an edge bearing the same decoration as the jacket. The sleeveless blouse is made of red silk with additional navy-blue crocheted embroidery. Tweed was not considered a prestigious fabric for women's clothing in the past, but Coco Chanel was inspired by sportswear and men's clothing, and enjoyed experimenting with new colours, material and textures. Chanel changed the rules forever with her vision and bravado. Discover an important item from both the MoMu and Belgian fashion history, on location in an exhibition that should not be missed.
The exhibition ‘Gabrielle Chanel, Fashion Manifesto’ in Palais Galliera will run until 14 March 2021 and highlights the greatest creations by the legendary French designer, such as her jersey designs, timeless dresses and suits – including this top item from MoMu's current archives.