By Stephanie Perez, Advertising Manager & Staff Writer
French fashion designer Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel created casual, comfortable designs for women of fashion during a time when petticoats and corsets reigned in the industry. She knew exactly what women needed and became an icon for her simple outfits that made anyone look sophisticated and wealthy.
Born into poverty, Chanel was put into an orphanage by her father and was raised by nuns who taught her how to sew. During her short career as a singer, Chanel was given her nickname “Coco” which, according to Chanel herself, was a shortened version of the word “cocotte” which means “kept woman.”
First touching into the fashion world, Chanel fashioned an old jersey on a cold day in Deauville. Receiving compliments on the “dress” and where she had bought it, Chanel offered to make the dress for others. Opening her shop, she started by selling hats and then mobbed on to apparel pieces. She designed different clothing focusing on the comfort of the clothes, as she took inspiration from menswear and left the uncomfortable staple of fashion behind.
One of her most revolutionary designs was the “little black dress,” which she designed in 1926. Made to be simple, affordable, and versatile for all classes, she took color for mourning and turned it into a design that remains a wardrobe staple today. She also created the Chanel Suit, taking inspiration from the sportswear and menswear her then-boyfriend, the Duke of Westminster, wore. After her death, Karl Langerfeld, a German fashion designer, took over the brand Chanel and gave it a modern revival. Giving the Chanel suit a new look, both younger and mature audiences were attracted to it now that it had a more sensual look.
Chanel not only broke fashion norms, but also launched her first perfume, No5, in 1921 which became one of the most popular perfumes at the time. The name comes from the fifth sample the perfumer Ernest Beaux presented to Chanel. The perfume was chosen for its unique scent.
Langerfeld took over the company Chanel after its namesake’s death to carry forward her legacy in the fashion world. She continues to be remembered as a fashion icon. Books, plays, and movies were made in remembrance of her interesting life as she burst through the industry and left her mark.