Chanel suit, with 'Black Opal' lining by Jenny Kee, 1983
Linen and silk, womens suit by Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel, Black Opal print by Jenny Kee, printed by Rainbow Fabrics, Italy, made in France; opal lycra bodysuit printed by Think Positive Prints, Sydney
Purchased 1999
Kee's Black Opal print became one of her most popular designs. In 1982, designer Karl Lagerfeld approached her to use the Black and White Opal prints in his first prêt-à-porter collection for Chanel (Spring/Summer 1983). The combination of Kee's bold colourful prints with the houndstooth check was perfect for Lagerfeld's homage to and deconstruction of classic Chanel style.