Coco Chanel is a name that needs no introduction. She was one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. Her designs revolutionized women’s fashion and changed the way women dressed forever.
From the iconic little black dress to the timeless Chanel suit, her designs continue to inspire women around the world. One of the most notable features of her personal style was her love for pearls. In this article, we will explore why Coco Chanel wore pearls and how she incorporated them into her signature look.
Early life of Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel was born in Saumur, France in 1883. She grew up in poverty and spent most of her childhood in an orphanage after her mother’s death.
It was during this time that she learned sewing and developed a love for fashion. In her early career, she worked as a seamstress and singer before opening her first boutique in 1910.
The rise of pearls
Pearls have been valued for their beauty and rarity for centuries. They were worn by royalty and were considered a symbol of wealth and status. However, it wasn’t until the early 20th century that they became more accessible to ordinary people.
At that time, Kokichi Mikimoto had developed a technique for cultivating pearls, making them more affordable than ever before. This led to a surge in popularity for pearls, which soon became a fashionable accessory for women.
Why did Coco Chanel wear pearls?
It is said that Coco Chanel first fell in love with pearls when she saw her friend wearing them on a beach holiday. She was struck by their simplicity and elegance and began incorporating them into her own style.
For Coco Chanel, pearls represented sophistication and refinement. They were also versatile enough to be worn with any outfit, from casual daywear to formal evening gowns.
However, there was another reason why Coco Chanel loved pearls. She believed that they had the ability to enhance a woman’s natural beauty. In her own words, “A woman needs ropes and ropes of pearls.”
Incorporating pearls into her signature look
Coco Chanel incorporated pearls into her signature look in a variety of ways. One of her most famous looks was the pearl necklace, which she often wore with a simple black dress. This became known as the “Chanel look” and has become a classic style that is still popular today.
She also used pearls in her designs, adding them to clothing and accessories such as hats, handbags, and shoes. Her use of pearls in fashion helped to make them more accessible to women around the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Coco Chanel wore pearls because she believed they represented sophistication and refinement, and had the ability to enhance a woman’s natural beauty. She incorporated them into her signature look in a variety of ways, from wearing pearl necklaces with black dresses to adding them to clothing and accessories.
Today, pearls continue to be a popular accessory for women around the world. Thanks to Coco Chanel’s love for pearls, they have become an enduring symbol of elegance and style.