From exquisitely crafted haute couture to jewel-encrusted birdcage handbags, Chanel's archival pieces are amongst the most highly sought after in the world.
Chanel's rarest pieces are dreamt about, hunted and often acquired for jaw-dropping figures. Rare Chanel features 100 objects from the ultimate Parisian maison; each selected for their unique importance by fashion historian Lucy Bishop (The Fashion Auctioneer). Insightful commentary describes these astonishing creations, how they were made and why they are so exceptional.
Featuring exclusive, never-before-seen pieces from the private collections of the world's most illustrious and influential Chanel collectors, over 200 detailed photographs of the pieces and their design features are accompanied by archival images from the runway and red carpet in this sumptuously illustrated guide to the ultimate fantasy Chanel collection.
Contents include:
- The earliest Chanel item in known existence
- Gabrielle Chanel's own personal ensemble
- The necklace worn by Margot Robbie in Barbie
- The XL Hula Hoop bag
- The most expensive couture piece ever created
- The birdcage minaudière
- Iconic runway looks