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: Read more about iconic CHANEL pieces: See more couture in our Fashion collection: