Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the visionary force behind one of the most esteemed fashion houses, Chanel, has undeniably shaped the fashion industry. The Victoria & Albert Museum in London pays homage to her extraordinary fashion journey with the exhibit “Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto.”

The exhibit provides a deep dive into the evolution of Coco Chanel's creative process, showcasing a diverse range of fashion artifacts—with over two hundred looks, alongside jewelry, accessories, cosmetics, and fragrances. From Coco’s initial sketches to the iconic tweed suit worn by Lauren Bacall, each piece shares a part of Coco Chanel’s story. You can even find a handwritten thank-you note from Queen Elizabeth II expressing gratitude for the gift of Chanel No.5 from a close friend.

Coco Chanel's timeless impact, encapsulated in her famous quote "fashion changes, but style endures," resonates throughout the exhibit, as her designs have truly withstood the test of time and remain relevant in the fashion world. For enthusiasts of fashion and admirers of Coco Chanel's legacy, this exhibit is must-see; however, with a closing date set for February 25th, time is of the essence!

Located in the recently-opened Sainsbury Gallery in London’s Victoria and Albert (V&A) Museum, “Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams” features over 500 pieces that trace the house of Dior’s work and influences beginning with the inception of the fashion house in 1947. Focusing specifically on Dior’s fascination with British culture, the exhibition celebrates the designer’s successful revival of high fashion in the years following World War II, when countries throughout Europe were still being forced to ration their resources. “In 1947, Christian Dior changed the face of fashion with his New Look, which redefined the female silhouette and reinvigorated the post-war Parisian fashion industry,” explains V&A’s Curator of Modern Textiles & Fashion, Oriole Cullen. The display of 200 rare couture gowns “showcases the ways in which Dior’s succeeding creative directors have been inspired by his legacy,” from the daring designs of Yves Saint Laurent to the ebullience of John Galliano and the minimalism of current Creative Director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. A collection of Christian Dior’s personal possessions is presented alongside the gowns, including accessories, photography, film, perfume, make-up, illustrations, and magazines, to give visitors a deeper understanding of the man behind the successful couture house.