Originally a menswear item, the tailored jacket became part of women’s wardrobes in the 19th century.

Coco Chanel redefined it, creating the iconic suit, and pairing it with skirts and trousers. In 1947, Christian Dior introduced the Bar jacket, revolutionising post-war silhouettes. Yves Saint Laurent’s women’s tuxedo blurred boundaries and reshaped concepts of empowerment. These iconic fashion moments transformed the tailored jacket into a professional uniform for both men and women—a symbol of authority and respectability. A timeless piece, it is now an essential garment in every wardrobe.

To read the full curators’ notes, scan the specific QR code for this piece before turning around and moving towards the section devoted to the extraordinary, featuring Tomohiro Shibuki’s garment, where you’ll find the next audio guide QR code.