CHANEL is a name that resonates worldwide, synonymous with luxury, elegance, and trust. But how did this renowned brand become a leader in the fashion industry? Let’s explore the captivating history of CHANEL and its revolutionary impact on style.
The woman behind CHANEL
Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel is the visionary founder of this prestigious brand. Born into a modest family in France, Coco faced adversity early in life, becoming an orphan. At eighteen, she left the orphanage and opened her first hat shop, launching her journey into the fashion world with the support of a benefactor.
In 1912, Coco expanded her horizons by introducing sportswear, challenging norms by using jersey fabric—typically reserved for men’s clothing. This bold move not only transformed women’s fashion but also set the stage for CHANEL’s future success. The House of CHANEL was officially established as Coco began to create elegant and practical designs that catered to modern women.
Revolutionary designs: simple yet elegant
Coco Chanel’s designs were characterized by their simplicity and elegance. She famously embraced colors that were once deemed masculine, such as navy and gray, distinguishing her from her contemporaries. By 1935, CHANEL boasted around 4,000 employees and five boutiques across France.
One of her most iconic contributions was the CHANEL suit, which provided comfort and sophistication, a stark contrast to the corsets and restrictive clothing of the 1920s. Coco also redefined the color black, transforming it from a symbol of mourning into a staple of chic evening wear with her little black dress.
Another revolutionary product was CHANEL No. 5, a timeless fragrance that continues to be a classic favorite. Its association with celebrities, including Marilyn Monroe, further elevated the brand's reputation.
Expanding horizons: the 1950s and 1960s
During the 1950s and 1960s, CHANEL expanded its offerings to include tweed two-piece suits, the iconic 2.55 handbag, and bell-bottoms. The 2.55 handbag was designed with practicality in mind, featuring a long strap to allow women to keep their hands free. This innovation gave rise to the Classic Flap bag, one of CHANEL's most sought-after accessories.
Life after Coco
Coco Chanel passed away in 1971, but her legacy continued under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld. He respected Coco's vision while modernizing the brand for a new era. Lagerfeld introduced the Ready-To-Wear collection, making CHANEL accessible to a broader audience while maintaining its luxury status. His efforts to promote the brand helped solidify the recognition of the iconic CC logo globally.
CHANEL today
Today, CHANEL continues to produce both haute couture and ready-to-wear fashion, blending traditional elegance with contemporary style. The brand offers something for everyone, ensuring its timeless appeal remains strong.
Do you own a CHANEL item? Explore our curated collection of beautiful CHANEL pieces in our online boutique here.