This latest exhibition at the Saatchi Gallery takes visitors on an extraordinary journey through the origins of Chanel’s creations to capture the spirit of the brand itself and Mademoiselle Chanel herself. 

The first part of this intriguing and interactive exhibition literally takes visitors through the process of how Chanel’s creations came about. Yes there is a lack of information for anyone actually wanting exact details of how the brand came to be one of the best known in the world, but at the same time it is actually a more creative and interesting way of doing it.

For example, in one section you are confronted by huge diamond necklace, with Chanel’s voice coming through over speakers – extremely haunting but allows her to explain her way of doing things without anyone else’s thoughts being involved. While in another section you wonder through various materials hanging down from the ceiling that you can touch to see what fabrics Chanel enjoyed working with.

The layout of the exhibition can be slightly confusing and it is probably one of the main reasons why there are so many people around to guide visitors as to where they should be going. This in turn disrupts the flow of the exhibition and can feel slightly awkward to go around.

However, when you step into the upstairs galleries featuring some of the best outfits created by Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld, visitors are instantly blown away by the sheer quality and elegance of the outfits that have been selected for the exhibition.

Mademoiselle Prive is an exhibition that is creative and exciting to visit, never knowing exactly what is around the corner. However, if you go expecting something similar to the Alexander McQueen exhibition you are likely to feel ever so slightly disappointed because it treats its subject in a different way.

It can feel a bit empty of material in places, particularly in the opening section but it does allow visitors to explore as much as they want without feeling claustrophobic and to appreciate what is on show.

Fashionistas will love the interactive elements and appreciate the exhibition the most but for those with a bit of spare time on their hands should also come and have a look as it is guaranteed that you have never been to an exhibition like it before.

Mademoiselle Prive is open to the public until the 1st November. Entrance to the exhibition is free but people should be prepared to queue if necessary as the exhibition is popular.