Facts About Chanel


Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel (born August 19, 1883 - died January 10, 1971) is considered to be one of the greatest fashion designers of the twentieth century. While men were dividing the world through wars, Coco Chanel invented and gave us the weapons with which we may be able to conquer them all: the short black dress and a drop of No. 5. She was the one who changed completely and irreversibly the image of the modern woman, causing a real revolution in fashion and attitude. According to her biographers, Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel was born in 1883 in Saumur. When she was only six years old, Gabrielle lost her mother. Her father, left alone with five children, abandons them soon in the care of relatives. Gabrielle was raised by two aunts on a secluded area in the province of Auvergne. Affected by the early death of her mother and the abandon of her father, she always maintained that Auvergne is her real birth place. Gabrielle received here a traditional education, her aunts teaching her that a young woman should know how to sew, have a nice conduct and behave politely.

When she turned 17, the state takes guardianship over her and sends her to an orphanage at a monastery in Moulins. The simplicity of the nuns clothing influences Gabrielle in her future career, one of her main purposes being the creation of simple, comfortable, stylish clothes. Gabrielle changes her name into Coco during a brief career as a cabaret singer between 1905 and 1908. In this period she becomes the mistress of a military officer and after that the one of an English industrialist. In 1912 she meets Arthur "Boy" Capel, who helps her to open a clothing store in Paris. But the real blow comes in the late 1920’s, during the Great Depression, when, with the help of Capel, she opens her first famous boutique on 31 Rue Cambon. She extends her business shortly after that to Deauville and Biarritz. From 1912 until 1920, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel rises step by step through the Parisian designers. Her relaxed fashion style, with simple dresses and suits, stockings, jewelry, perfume and textiles slowly conquers the market.

Chanel’s fashion style is characterized by simple elegance, sophistication and convenience. Inspired by men clothing, that are casual and easy to wear, and by the uniforms and the equipment of athletes, Chanel brought in women fashion the neck sweaters, the sailors printings and molded knit or jersey dresses, jersey being used until then only as a material for masculine underwear. In 1922, Chanel launches her famous perfume "Chanel No. 5", which remains until now the company's most profitable product. In 1929, she made a collection of accessories, which include shoes, jewelry, handbags, scarves and belts. Of particular importance is the striking jewelry, which is meant to contrast with the minimalist dress clothing. In 1931, Chanel is employed by Samuel Goldwin, which offers her a million dollars to dress Hollywood stars including Katherine Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Gloria Swanson. In his book, "Coco Chanel, Innovator and Icon", Joseph Aime described her as the most influential and innovative fashion designer. About Coco, Christian Dior said: "With a black sweater and a few strings of pearls she managed to revolutionize fashion". More strange and interesting history facts you can read from www.strange-facts.info.