Fashion Design, Textiles, & Merchandising
High and Low Fashion
Name: ____________________
Block: _____________________
Chanel Chanel
Video Documentary
“Fashion passes – Style Remains”
1. In the beginning of the documentary Coco Chanel says that she believes
everyone should follow fashion regardless of their status – how is that
different than what you read about with regards to high fashion?
2. Coco Chanel says that everyone should follow fashion, not trends. Why does she
think that? Based on what you previously learned in class do you agree? Why or
why not.
3. How did Chanel’s new vision for fashion (primarily resort wear) coincide with
WWI?
4. 1916 – “Maison de Chanel” – what styles did the House of Chanel help to
popularize?
5. Madeline Vionnet (mentioned in the article) was very popular in the 1920’s –
what does she have to say about fashion?
6. In the 1920’s Chanel was a leader in the fashion world. She felt that fashion
should not just be worn by the wealthy. How does this contradict the article?
Do you think that she contradicts herself by creating exclusive clothing?
7. What does Chanel say about real and fake jewelry? How does this fit into the
idea of high and low fashion?
8. Elsa Schiaparelli (mentioned in the article) was Chanel’s biggest rival in the mid
1930’s - why?
9. 1953 – after 15 years of being out of business Chanel came back – what
happened – in Europe and in America? Why do think there was such a
difference?
10. Why does Karl Lagerfeld think that Chanel remained popular for so long and did
not fade away like other designers?
11. Chanel’s designs throughout her career were guided by femininity, she felt that
women should look feminine to gain the love of men – do you agree or disagree,
why?
12. Chanel repeated many elements in her styles throughout the years but would
update them with the times – what is this an example of? Do you think this
concept on updated repetition is important for fashion houses? Why or why
not? Do you think it is important for other designers as well?
13. How does Karl Lagerfeld use the idea of updated classics in his line shown in the
film?