The Chanel Mademoiselle Privé exhibition makes a temporary stop in Shanghai
From great figures such as Gabrielle Chanel to Karl Lagerfeld, the legacy of Chanel is secure in the international fashion community. In 2015, Chanel started a new project that expresses the brand’s style by presenting the well-known exhibition Mademoiselle Privé, which means “Only For Ladies.” After displaying various representative works designed by Gabrielle Chanel in London, the exhibition made several stops in Seoul in 2017 and Hong Kong in 2018. Excitedly, Chanel announced the fourth stop of the exhibition’s journey: The West Bund Art Center in Shanghai from April 20 to June 2.
Surrounded by the charismatic, elegant, and wild atmosphere of Gabrielle Chanel’s work, visitors inside the museum are brought back into 1920s France, also known as the era of Chanel. The exhibition is primarily divided into three main sections: The Land of Grasse, 31 Rue Cambon, and 18 Place Vendôme. Each of the section represents Chanel’s accomplishments in different fashion fields.
Walking on the pathway, the visitors are led into the Land of Grasse, the flower field that inspired Chanel to develop the avant-garde perfume N°5. With birds chirping in the background, the first section is a simulation of the Land of Grasse. Visitors can see a land of rose centifolias and grassley jasmines opening their petals as artificial light shines on their leaves. Using the two species of flowers as primary ingredients, Chanel invented one of the most popular perfume internationally, and named it her lucky number 5. Additionally, this section displays a wall of unused N°5, conveying elegance and beauty.
Leaving the Land of Grasse, the visitors are “transferred” to one of the most well-known streets in Paris: 31 Rue Cambon (Street Cambon No. 31). This section is designed similarly to a grand clothing store in the 1920s. Representing the climax of Chanel’s fashion career, her classic work, the black skirt and suit, are carefully displayed around cream-colored curtains. At the Mademoiselle Privé version of 31 Rue Cambon, visitors are allowed to take a close look at Chanel’s clothing designs, especially the black skirts.
After experiencing Chanel’s life at 31 Rue Cambon, visitors leap through the time and arrive at 18 Place Vendôme in 1932. The third section is modeled after Chanel’s luxurious jewelry working room and store. The highlight of her jewelry-working career is undoubtedly the copied version of her “Bijoux de Diamants” series, which have been carefully placed in various transparent boxes. Different from the usual, flamboyant rings or necklaces in 1930s Europe, visitors can see that Chanel’s works veer more on the side of simplicity, modernity, and creativity. Centered on these five elements—stars, sun, tassels, feathers, and ribbons—she created the unique style of her jewelry. Due to Chanel’s extraordinary ideas and designs, the “Bijoux de Diamants” series altered the public’s stereotypical views on jewelry, and evoked a revolution in the 20th century. Visitors can also understand the importance of handcraft and the spirit of Chanel’s style.
The Mademoiselle Privé exhibition offers a wonderful experience for Chanel fans looking to understand the brand’s vibrant past. If interested, please visit this website for more information: https://mademoiselleprive.chanel.com/
Featured Image The logo of Mademoiselle Privé photo courtesy of Selina Tai
by Selina Tai