How did a sailor's shirt become a fashion icon?The journey of a working-class garment to high-end chic.

Style and Status

From the show

Style and Status

This simple striped top tells a story of class, creativity, and rebellion. Originally the uniform for French seamen, the 'marinière' was a purely functional garment. But when Coco Chanel adopted it for her nautical collection, its journey into high fashion began. Adopted by artists like Picasso and stars like Audrey Hepburn, the shirt became a symbol of effortless cool, proving an item's meaning is defined by who wears it.

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