Wallis Simpson is a name that is etched in history as the woman for whom King Edward VIII abdicated the throne of England. She was known for her impeccable style and fashion sense, and there have been many debates about whether she wore Chanel or not.
As a style icon of her time, Wallis Simpson had access to some of the best designers of her era. So it’s no surprise that she was often seen wearing garments made by famous fashion houses like Christian Dior, Mainbocher, and Schiaparelli. But what about Chanel
The answer to this question is not straightforward. While it’s true that Wallis Simpson did wear clothes designed by Coco Chanel, there is no solid evidence to suggest that she was a loyal customer of the French fashion house.
One incident that fuels this debate is a dress that Wallis wore in 1935 during a photo shoot with Cecil Beaton. The dress was made of black chiffon and featured a white collar and cuffs. The design was strikingly similar to one created by Chanel in 1926.
But here’s where things get complicated: the original Chanel design had buttons down the front, while Wallis’ dress did not. Additionally, Wallis’ collar and cuffs were made of a different material than the rest of the dress – something that was not typical in Chanel’s designs.
So, while it’s possible that Wallis’ dress was inspired by Coco Chanel’s original design, it wasn’t an exact copy.
Another piece of evidence often cited in this debate is a letter written by Wallis Simpson to Coco Chanel in 1957. In the letter, Wallis thanked Coco for sending her some clothes but stated that she couldn’t wear them due to “the present situation.” Some people interpret this as meaning that Wallis didn’t want to be seen wearing clothes made by a French designer during a time when tensions between France and England were high.
But again, this is just speculation, and there is no concrete evidence to support this interpretation.
In conclusion, while it’s possible that Wallis Simpson wore clothes designed by Chanel, there is no solid proof to suggest that she was a loyal customer. However, her fashion sense and style continue to inspire designers even today.
Final Thoughts
Wallis Simpson was undoubtedly an icon of fashion and style in her time. Although the debate about whether she wore Chanel or not may never be fully resolved, one thing is certain: she had an impeccable sense of style that continues to inspire people around the world. Whether it was Chanel or another designer, Wallis always looked stunning in whatever she wore.