Chanel is one of the most famous and prestigious fashion houses in the world. Founded in Paris, France in 1910, this brand specializes in designing and manufacturing luxury items such as haute couture clothing, perfumes, and cosmetics, among others.
The firm was created by Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel and from then until now, it is synonymous with elegance, wealth and elitism, but who was this woman, what is her history and how did she manage to consolidate herself globally? We tell you.
What is the story of Coco Chanel?
Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel came into this world on August 19, 1883. Even as a child, the French woman suffered the death of her mother and the abandonment of her father, for which she spent much of her childhood learning sewing in an Aubazine orphanage , France.
It might interest you: Barbie Day of the Dead 2022 How much does it cost, who designed it and when is it launched?
Upon reaching the age of majority, Chanel leaves this site to face adult life and start working in a workshop called Maison Grampayre and also in a local cafe as a singer, where when interpreting the song Qui qu’a vu Coco? he is given the nickname ‘Coco’.
It seems that being recognized by this nickname would change her life. In the same cafe she met Etienne de Balsana textile heir who invites her to live with him in his castle in royallieu. And six years after accepting, Chanel begins to design her first hats.
Balsan’s friends, family and acquaintances are amazed by her creations and encourage her to take her creations further, so in 1908 she moves to Paris and around 1914, in Deauville, opens its first stores.
What did Coco Chanel do for women?
In Biarritz, in 1916, Coco manages to open her great Haute Couture salon. In those years, crinolines, corsets and extremely repressive styles for women predominated, so the French decided to innovate the market.
Inspired by the rigorous architecture of the orphanage in which she lived during her childhood, Chanel achieves straight, simple designs in monochrome colors, thus not only breaking stereotypes, but to mark a watershed in history.
At the same time, the French textile company Rodier exclusively develops a jersey, which later became the designer’s favorite fabric for making soft creations such as skirts, sweaters and sportswear for women! Something never seen before.
What did Coco Chanel contribute to society?
The French woman knew the perspective of “having nothing” and at the same time that of “having everything”, something that led to her designs. He took some elements of the elite and their customs to deconstruct the concept of good taste.
It might interest you: Walt Disney biography and life of the genius behind the magic of cinema
Chanel created garments that were loved by both the aristocracy and the masses. You could say that ‘democratized‘ style, giving all women the opportunity to look elegant and comfortable at the same time, but above all: to feel free.
What smell does your perfume have, Chanel .5?
Around 1920, the French company reached its peak with the opening of its first boutique at 31 Rue de Cambon and the creation of its perfume chanel no.5which to this day is considered one of the best of all time.
declared by fashion as “the most famous perfume in the world”, Chanel N.5 is a fragrance from the Floral Aldehyic olfactory family for women. In its aroma you can appreciate notes of neroli, lime, iris, jasmine, rose, orris root, sandalwood, amber and vetiver.
There are those who say that it is a perfume with the smell of talcum powderbut more than a century after its creation, the aroma continues to sell like hot cakes in thousands of branches around the world.
How old is Coco Chanel and where does she live?
The designer died on January 10, 1971 working on her spring catalog. According to various sources, she was sick and debilitated, affected by osteoarthritis and her addiction to morphine.
On the afternoon of January 9, the designer went out for a walk, returned home and went to bed early. The next day she died at the age of 87 from a heart attack in the Ritz Hotel —where he had lived for more than 30 years—.
His funeral was held at the Church of the Madeleine and his models occupied the first row at the ceremony. Finally, her remains were buried in the Bois-de-Vaux Cemetery, Lausanne, Switzerland.
What does Coco Chanel teach us?
Characterized for being an innate observer and for turning situations into garments, Coco Chanel managed to transcend time far beyond any other designer. Few are the garments that manage to innovate more than one season, the whole world and the French did.
His creations are recognized and used to this day. Such is the case of petit robe noira black dress with white cuffs that has stood the test of time due to its elegance and versatility.
Also found the chanel suita piece made with such precision that a century later it still serves as an inspiration for today’s designers.
Not content with clothes, Coco also delved into the world of accessories to complement her designs and deliver complete looks. The most copied bag in her entire history is created by her: It is the chanel 2.55.
Coco’s story has captivated millions because the Frenchwoman did not need to study at the best design school, but she did manage to be the best designer. Experiences that might have seemed like obstacles served as inspiration and impetus for her career.
His perspective – different from the rest – was not only glimpsed in his clothes and accessories, but in the way he made his way through the crowd. And even more, being a woman, He managed to dare to change the world from his vision.
The last:
High level Team of young journalists whose objective is to explain the most relevant business, economy and finance news. We are passionate about telling stories and believe in citizen and service journalism.