There’s no doubt that the interlocking Cs, which is the iconic Chanel logo, is one that most of us have seen, and maybe craved. But before the luxury fashion brand became an iconic and lust-worthy https://finehighliving.com/top-30-luxury-fashion-brands/, it started out as a modest millinery shop in Paris. Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, or popularly known as Coco Chanel, changed the course of fashion in the fashion industry when she began creating clothes in 1909. She was the first designer to rise to popularity during the turn of the century. But how did Chanel grow to become the powerhouse of fashion that it is today? In this article, we are going to list down some interesting facts about Chanel that made them one of the essential brands in the fashion industry.
- Coco Chanel started out as a milliner – After she left a convent at the tender age of 18, Coco Chanel began working in a tailoring shop while struggling to become a music hall performer at the same time. In 1909 she finally had the money and courage to start her own shop.
- Coco Chanel opened her first store on Rue Cambon, Paris – The first place that she rented did not allow the sale of couture dresses because there was already a couture shop in the building. That is why in 1918, she decided to move down the street to 31 Rue Cambon and open here shop there. Amazingly enough, there is still a Chanel store there until today.
- The Chanel No. 5 perfume was created in 1921 – Coco Chanel wanted a woman’s fragrance that has a woman’s scent. That is why she decided to create a bouquet, and she gave strict instructions that the perfume did not smell like a lily or a rose or any other kind of flower because it should be a composition. The iconic Chanel No. 5 bottle’s diamond stopper was inspired by Paris’s Place Vendome.
- Why No. 5? – When Coco Chanel invented her iconic perfume, it was considered as the first to bear the name of its designer. And along with other positive associations, a fortune teller once told Coco Chanel that 5 was her lucky number. And when she was initially presented with numbered samples of perfumes, she selected the fifth one and is when the Chanel No. 5 was born.
- Chanel created the little black dress – in a 1926 issue of the American Vogue, you can see a sketch of the black dress that Coco Chanel had done. She identified it as the shape of the future, and there is no doubt that it is because Chanel’s little black dress is still fashionable until today.
- Chanel also popularized the eponymous two-toned shoes and gold-chained handbags – Her accessories, especially shoes and handbags, became popular during Chanel’s resurgence in the 1950s. The iconic quilted bag was introduced in February 1955, and it still remained as one of the most iconic bags in the world today.
- Coco Chanel was a workaholic – From the moment Coco Chanel re-launched her business in 1954 until her death in 1971, Coco Chanel never stopped working. In fact, the collection she was working on at the time of her death even in the spring fashion shows just weeks later
- Coco Chanel liberated women’s hands – In 1955, women still carried their purses in their hands; hence, the term, ‘handbag.’ But the problem with handbags is that taking a bag that is filled with personal items in your hand can be quite substantial. Coco Chanel got tired of having to bring the heavy thing, that is why she invented a better way. And in February 1955, she launched the iconic 2.55 shoulder bag and made history once again. This is why instead of having to hold the bag in their hands, women started carrying it on their shoulders, which was way more natural and comfortable.
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