Couture CHANEL tweed suit worn by Lauren Bacall | Fashion Unpicked | V&A

Join dressmaking expert Sue Clark as she takes a close-up look at an elegant CHANEL suit, made in 1959 for actress Lauren Bacall.

Comprised of a rose-pink tweed skirt and jacket paired with a delicate silk blouse, the pieces were made exactly to fit Bacall's measurements and have been finished to the very highest standard.

Watch as Sue examines the exquisite hand-sewn detailing and uncovers several fascinating hidden features – including the skirt's wide hems which allow for alterations with changing fashions, and a secret functional pocket, possibly for a compact or cigarette case.

00:00 Introducing Gabrielle Chanel and Lauren Bacall
00:53 A haute couture suit
01:13 Examining the piece (unmounted)
01:29 Skirt construction
03:28 Jacket construction
04:57 Silk blouse
06:55 Suit structure (mounted)
09:10 Why does Gabrielle Chanel use lion buttons?

Find out more about the Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto exhibition: https://www.vam.ac.uk/exhibitions/gab...

Read more about iconic CHANEL pieces: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/what-m...

See more couture in our Fashion collection: https://www.vam.ac.uk/collections/fas...