Coco Chanel, the icon of fashion and style, is a name that needs no introduction. Her timeless creations have been influencing the fashion industry for decades.
But do you know when did Coco Chanel start her journey? Let’s take a look at the timeline of events that led to the birth of the iconic Chanel brand.
The Early Years
Coco Chanel was born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. She was raised in an orphanage after her mother passed away when she was just six years old. It was during her time there that she learned how to sew from the nuns who ran the facility.
After leaving the orphanage at 18 years old, Coco worked as a seamstress and a cabaret singer. Her nickname “Coco” came from her time as a singer, where she would perform a song called “Qui qu’a vu Coco dans l’Trocadéro?”.
The First Boutique
In 1910, after becoming involved with wealthy businessman Etienne Balsan, Coco began designing hats as a hobby. Her designs quickly gained popularity among her social circle and soon expanded into clothing design.
In 1913, with financial backing from Balsan and Arthur Capel (whom she had an affair with), Coco opened her first boutique in Deauville selling hats and sportswear for women. The boutique was an immediate success due to its unique designs that broke away from traditional women’s fashion at the time.
The Birth of the Chanel Brand
In 1915, Coco opened another boutique in Biarritz which sold more luxurious clothing items such as dresses and suits made from jersey fabric – which was typically used for men’s underwear at that time. This move revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing comfortable yet stylish clothing options.
It wasn’t until 1921 that the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume was introduced, which became an instant classic and solidified the Chanel brand’s place in the fashion industry.
The Legacy Continues
After Coco’s death in 1971, her brand continued to thrive under the leadership of Karl Lagerfeld. Today, Chanel is one of the most recognizable and influential fashion brands in the world with a wide range of products including clothing, accessories, perfume, and cosmetics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chanel’s journey started from humble beginnings but quickly transformed into a fashion empire that has stood the test of time. Coco’s unique designs and innovative approach to women’s fashion continue to inspire designers around the world even today. Her legacy lives on through the iconic Chanel brand that remains at the forefront of fashion and style.