Gabrielle "Coco" ChanelGabrielle “Coco” Chanel was born in Saumur, Loire Valley of France, in 1883. She grew up in a life of poverty, attending a convent as her source of education. Instead of letting her difficult childhood get her down, she went on to express herself in theatre, and eventually beginning her designing career. It started out as merely one or two shops, with her main product of interest being her hats. Eventually the demand and popularity of her merchandise, which was made out of an inexpensive yet reliable “jersey” fabric, was great enough for her to open up multiple boutiques and expand her merchandise resume. Chanel’s general style focused on more neutral articles of clothing with feminine touches, particularly lace. One of her biggest fashion staples was her suit, being the first popularized outfit of the time, with it being coined as the “Chanel suit”. This idea of having feminized men’s wear for women differentiated the past women’s wear of corsets. Many of Chanel’s designs were milestones in the fashion industry, with “the little black dress” still being an important part of any woman’s wardrobe, then and in the present. It not only is essential for upper class women and celebrities, but also a necessity for the everyday woman. This idea of versatility and that anyone can look fashionable was an important aspect of Chanel’s creations, coming from poverty herself. “Luxury must be comfortable,
otherwise it is not luxury.” Due to the depression in both America and throughout Europe, Chanel was forced to close her business, yet at the age of 70 she returned with new fashion designs, staying true to her sophisticated style. Many were critical of her choices in doing such, along with her previous love life; she had been seeing a Nazi officer Hans Gunther von Dincklage. Naturally that was considered very scandalous at the time given the World War. Chanel died in 1971, but her company still remains popular amongst the fashion industry, with Karl Lagerfeld being the current head designer for House of Chanel. “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Clearly, Chanel derived inspiration from every aspect of life, just as an artist finds interest in what is found all around. |