Fall 1983 Chanel Black Cashmere Cardigan with Satin Trim

Rare and early Chanel 1983 Fall collection cashmere cardigan. This was Karl Lagerfeld's very first ready to wear presentation for the House and the fashion eyes of the world were upon him. WWD reported that Lagerfeld knew Chanel needed to be pushed into modernity, and brought in many of his own people including a young Herve Leger, but he was also nothing if not respectful of the house’s legacy. He gently justified his changes, noting at the time: “Even if she never did it this way, it’s very Chanel, no?”

Pulling inspiration from the 1920s and 1930s Chanel era, the sophisticated tailoring elevates a simple cardigan silhouette and it is cut with an open-front and fastens at the top of the neck. The collar, lapel and hems are elegantly detailed and trimmed in black grosgrain ribbon. Two pieces of ribbon also hang from under the collar, giving the wearer the option of a pussy-bow neckline. There are two patch pockets, each also adorned with black ribbon. This highly wearable cardigan fastens with a polished, gold-tone button featuring three interlocking rings topped with the brand’s instantly recognisable double-C insignia. Two of these buttons also crown the points of the collar, and there is a spare one inside the bottom hem. The Chanel logo is embroidered in tonal thread just below the left pocket.

Although this exact cardigan did not appear on the runway, many other garments featured the button design which was, and still is, unique to a particular Chanel collection. We have included runway shots detailing the button design together with a similar cardigan design paired with a white and black silk blouse as part of an ensemble. Circa is delighted that this exact blouse was purchased with this cardigan from the original vendor and we will include it to make a set.

The knit is in truly excellent vintage condition with no flaws of any note and looks as good as the day she was made. Pieces from this collection are rare to market and this has merit in any Chanel collector’s archive. The cardigan is 100% Cashmere and made in Scotland. There is no size label so please refer to the measurements below; it has some stretch. We believe this would fit a variety of sizes up to a UK 12, US 8, or maybe a size bigger if left open. The accompanying blouse is not in great condition with noticeable staining under the underarms. However, I'd love these two to stay together as collector's pieces and she is our gift to you.

MEASUREMENTS

BUST - 40 in. (102 cm)

WAIST - 38 in. (97 cm)

HIP - 40 in. (102 cm)

LENGTH - 24 in. (61 cm)

SHOULDERS - 17 in. (43 cm)