Chanel Style

Gabrielle Chanel’s journey was one of strength and determination, rising like a phoenix to deliver one of the world’s most respected brands. Born in 1883 in Saumur, France, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was raised in an orphanage after her mother died and her father abandoned her, but this difficult childhood shaped her fiercely independent and entrepreneurial nature. The nickname ‘Coco’ was given to her during her brief career as a singer in clubs, where she performed a song called ‘Qui qu’a vu Coco.’

Her creativity wasn’t only on the stage—she was destined to achieve, and the newly named Coco Chanel opened her first shop, ‘Chanel Modes’, in Paris selling minimalist and elegant hats to French actresses. The shop later expanded into clothing with Chanel introducing the Little Black Dress (LBD) in Vogue in 1926. The launch marked a significant departure from the elaborate, colourful dresses of the time and rapidly became the ultimate symbol of chic simplicity. Chanel’s influence extends beyond fashion into areas like film, art, and literature. The brand’s distinctive aesthetic style and Coco Chanel’s personal story have been depicted in numerous books and films, including the 2009 movie Coco Before Chanel.

“My life didn’t please me, so I created my life.”

Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel was deeply interested in astrology, believing it played a significant role in her life and decisions. She was a Leo, and the lion motif appeared in many of her designs. However, despite her professional success, Chanel’s life was marked by personal losses and loneliness. Her romantic relationships were often tumultuous, and she never married. Her drive for independence was both her strength and her solitude.

Modern Day Chanel

Chanel’s designs continue to influence fashion today. Her use of jersey fabric, simple yet elegant cuts, and timeless pieces like the tweed suit and quilted handbags have become fashion staples. The iconic interlocking “CC” logo, designed by Coco herself, has become synonymous with luxury and style.

Under the creative direction of Virginie Viard, who succeeded Lagerfeld after his death in 2019, Chanel continues to innovate while staying true to Coco’s legacy. The brand remains privately owned by the Wertheimer family, descendants of Coco Chanel’s early business partners.

Chanel continues to be a symbol of timeless elegance, representing both the freedom and sophistication of modern women. The brand’s ongoing success is a testament to Coco Chanel’s original vision and the innovation of those who have carried her legacy forward.

Famously, when asked, “What do you wear to bed?”, Hollywood icon Marilyn Monroe is reputed to have answered, “Just a few drops of Chanel No 5.”