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

Comprised of a rosepink 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 handsewn 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/whatm...

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