A night to remember.

On Thursday, December 2, friends of the House of Chanel gathered in Melbourne to be some of the first to witness the brands groundbreaking retrospective, Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, dedicated to the work of Gabrielle Chanel after it premiered at the Palais Galliera, Fashion Museum of the City of Paris in 2020.

The most special evening filed with House ambassadors and close friends, guests were invited to tour the exhibition, which highlights the birth and evolution of Gabirelle Chanel's style, the characteristics of her work, the emergence of her codes and her contribution to the history of fashion. Drawn from the Patrimoine de CHANEL, the Palais Galliera, the National Gallery of Victoria collection and various international museums, this ensemble of more than 250 pieces, dating from the 1910s to 1971, throws new light on the lasting influence of the designer who transformed women’s style forever.

Some of her first tweed suits, timeless as ever, stood beside archival couture gowns and groups of classic black evening dresses – the pillars of Chanel's impeccable eye. In one room, antique beauty products were displayed next to the first bottle of Chanel Nº5, in the same bottle as today, enduring as ever. A physical representation of Chanel's pioneering influence.

House ambassador Phoebe Tonkin attended the exhibition along with Australian actresses Angourie Rice and Tilda Cobham-Hervey. New-Zealand born actress Erana James and musicians Amy and Josh Dowdle, from the band Lastlings, as well as singers Budjerah and Tash Wolf. Friends of RUSSH Sarah Ellen, Yan Yan Chan, Mana Mackay and Lily Sullivan were also in attendance.

Immerse yourself into the world of the Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition at the NGV below, lensed by our Kitty Callaghan, who captured candid moments of wonder on the night.

The Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria opened to the public on December 4, and will run until April 25, 2022.