When the Victoria and Albert Museum in London announced that they would put on an exhibition in honor of the 140th anniversary of the birth of Coco Chanel, there were those who complained. After all, her connection with the Nazis during the War cannot be denied, but the importance of Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel‘s creativity for fashion in the 20th century, especially for women, is undeniable.

‘Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto‘ opens in September in London and will profile the designer from the time she opened her first boutique in 1910 to 1971 when she presented her final collection. There will be more than 200 pieces already making the exhibition one of the largest and most complete ever made for and with Chanel, bringing together sets worn by royalty and celebrities. Spanning 70 years of the brand, the pieces that will be displayed are incredible, some even more than 100 years old, like the sailor collar blouse in an oatmeal raw silk jersey from 1916.

Coco Chanel‘s trajectory and collaboration with the Nazis is a considerable stain on a trajectory that was already controversial but admired. Do we separate the artist from her Art? Anyway, the day she would have turned 140 is something to think about.