Coco Chanel is a name that is synonymous with high fashion, luxury, and elegance. She revolutionized the fashion industry by introducing timeless classics such as the little black dress and the Chanel suit. However, one question that often arises is whether or not Coco Chanel made hats.
There are conflicting reports on this matter, but the general consensus is that Coco Chanel did indeed make hats early in her career. In fact, she started her career as a hat maker before transitioning into clothing design.
Chanel’s fascination with hats began in her early years when she was living with nuns at an orphanage in Aubazine. The nuns wore plain black habits and white coifs, which served as inspiration for her later designs.
She also drew inspiration from her own experiences, including the time when she used to watch horse races with her friend Étienne Balsan and his companions. The ladies at these events wore extravagant hats that captured Chanel’s imagination.
In 1909, Chanel opened a boutique called “Chanel Modes” in Paris where she sold hats made from straw and other materials. Her designs were unique and reflected her personal style which consisted of simplicity and elegance. She often used black or navy blue ribbons to create contrast on light-colored hats.
Chanel’s hat-making business was successful, but it wasn’t until 1913 that she expanded into clothing design. She designed a line of jersey dresses that were comfortable yet elegant – a departure from the restrictive corsets of the time. This collection was groundbreaking and became an instant success.
After expanding into clothing design, Chanel continued to incorporate hats into her collections but no longer made them herself. Instead, she worked with milliners such as Jeanne Paquin and Marie-Louise Carven to create unique designs that complemented her clothing.
In conclusion, while Coco Chanel is primarily known for revolutionizing clothing design, it’s clear that she also had a significant impact on the world of hats. Her early career as a hat maker allowed her to develop her personal style and gain the skills necessary to become one of the most influential designers of all time.