First envisioned in 1954, The Chanel Jacket was designed when Coco was 71 years old. In a time of flamboyantly cinched waists and lavish balconette necklines, Chanel brought forth a nonchalant, feminine elegance to a gentlelady’s dress, securing movement, minimalism and modernity in what would become a signature fashion essential for the design house.

Always concerned with women moving with ease, The Chanel Jacket takes inspiration from a man’s jacket, fusing straight, fluid lines with a delicate chain sewn into the silk lining to ensure the it falls perfectly. Donned by the likes of Grace Kelly and Brigitte Bardot, The Chanel Jacket exudes perfection across detailing, with buttons stamped with the house symbol, braiding and pockets that have been made to be used.

Chapter 4 in the Inside Chanel series, The Jacket is joined by exposes on the No. 5 parfum, Marilyn and No. 5, Chanel and the Diamond. Find more Chanel jacket love over here.

Image by Douglas Kirkland.