Exhibition honors iconic French designer who set the scene

Shanghai is the final leg of the exhibition and, according to Gong Yan, director of the PSA, "We are paying tribute to this legendary designer from more than a century ago here in Shanghai, China's fashion capital, because she put forward brilliant ideas about women and beauty that are still relevant today and her creative passion and life stories have continued to inspire modern women to bravely pursue their dreams … The exhibition tells us that women must leave behind their stories and legends and, more importantly, creation and works."

As visitors enter the museum, they will climb a broad stairway leading to the exhibition on the second floor, a replicate of the stairway in the Chanel House at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris projected on a giant screen.

"At the end of this stairway, we see the connection between a soul and its residence turning into strong will and action. It is a combination of an individual with her time and the grace and her resolution against impediments and restrictions of the era," Gong says.

The exhibition consists of two chapters dedicated to her work from the 1910s to the 1930s and the second part of her career from 1954 to 1971.

Her early beginnings are presented with a few iconic pieces, including the famous sailor's jersey introduced in 1913.

From the sporty models and little black dresses of the 1910s to the sophisticated dresses initiated in the 1920s, this section centers on notions such as simplicity, youth, movement and allure.

The showcase of beauty products, jewelry and accessories reflects the consistency of her vision, with one room devoted entirely to the iconic perfume Chanel N°5 launched in 1921.

The second part of the exhibition presents a selection of models dating from the 1950s to her last collection created in 1971, focusing on iconic pieces such as the braided tweed suit, two-tone pumps and the 2.55 quilted bag.

IF YOU GO

Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto

11 am-7 pm, last entry by 6 pm, Tue-Sun, through Nov 24.

2F, Power Station of Art, 678 Miaojiang Road, Huangpu district, Shanghai.