OFF the RACK | Inside the ReSee Archive, Episode 2
In this episode of OFF the RACK: Inside the ReSee Archive, we explore Karl Lagerfeld’s Spring 1995 Chanel “Barbie Collection,” where bold colors and playful jackets defined 90s fashion.
Spring 1995 marked a turning point for Chanel. Dubbed the “Barbie Collection,” this season broke away from the traditional tweeds that Gabrielle Chanel had perfected for decades. It was a moment when the house embraced vibrant colors, playful silhouettes, and a new energy that firmly embedded Chanel into 90s pop culture.
On the runway, midriff-bearing jackets in hot pinks, oranges, and yellows were paired with high-slit skirts, creating a bold, dynamic look. An army of supermodels—including Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, and Carla Bruni—brought these pieces to life, while campaigns featuring patent trims and the iconic gold CC further cemented the collection as a cultural emblem.
At the time, critics questioned Lagerfeld’s approach, claiming that Chanel was becoming overly commercial, with logos too prominent, skirts too short, and colors too bold. Yet this collection perfectly captured the playful, audacious spirit that would define modern Chanel.
Today, the Spring 1995 jackets remain highly collectible. They are celebrated not just as fashion pieces, but as the essence of 90s Chanel—a vibrant, daring chapter in the house’s storied history.
More inspiration
At ReSee, every one of our vintage pieces comes with a story. This is, in large part, thanks to our unmatched community of consignors.
Though parting with such sartorial treasures may not be easy, the exceptional personal care we put into ensuring that they will go on to live a second (or, sometimes even, a third, fourth, or fifth) life offers a thrill — one rivaled only by that of the besotted shopper who adds them to her wardrobe.
Sell with us
