The Origin Story Of Coco Chanel

When you think of French fashion, the first name that comes to your mind is undoubtedly Coco Chanel. The fashion designer and icon, who was born in 1883, is the namesake of the thriving fashion house, Chanel. The thing which sets her apart from other designers of that era is that her designs are timeless. She was the begetter of the famous little black dress and Chanel suits.

Early life

Having been one of the most influential designers to ever walk on earth, Chanel’s life was a typical rag to riches story. She was born to a peddler father and a mother who was a washerwoman.At the age of 12, she lost her mother. Her father was forced to send Chanel, along with her sisters to an orphanage run by nuns. At the orphanage, Chanel acquired the skill of sewing, which proved instrumental in her success. Later on, Chanel became one of the wealthiest women of her time.

Career

Chanel initially started working as a singer in clubs and it was during this phase that she acquired her name ‘Coco’. Coco according to Chanel was short for cocotte, meaning ‘kept woman’. After her stint as a singer, one of Chanel’s paramour helped her to open a boutique.

She started selling hats. Later on, she opened another boutique which sold clothes made out of the jersey. The use of jersey was revolutionary because up until then jersey was used to manufacture undergarments. It was cheap which made her designs rather affordable.

Highlight

Chanel’s designs are said to cause the end of the corset era. She made dresses for women who were inspired by men’s fashion. A remarkable example of this is the Chanel suit. This suit was characterised by a skirt and a collarless jacket generally made of wool and lined with jersey. It was one of her signature looks.

She also made bell-bottom trousers and striped sweaters. She was the creator behind the classic little black dress. It was worn as an evening look or used as office wear. She made black a chic, fashionable and immortal colour, while earlier it was associated with nothing but mortality.

She was the first designer to have her name associated with perfume. Chanel No. 5 has been sold in stores since 1924. It was one of her most profitable products so far, although it led to a series of legal battles between Chanel and Wertheimer’s, the manufactures of the perfume.

What made Chanel so unique? Why did she and her style become so popular? The answer to these questions are perhaps subjective but there are a few things on which all sects may agree.

Chanel was unconventional. She had a set of beliefs and ideas which translated into her designs. During World War II, women were taking up jobs to support their families. They needed clothes in which they could work. Comfort was the key here.

Legacy

Chanel created clothes that empowered women, made them feel confident, elegant and sophisticated. At the same time, these clothes were breathable. Chanel once said, “Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury”. She remained faithful to her words.