Chanel is a luxury fashion brand that has been around for over a century. Founded in 1909 by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, the brand has become synonymous with high-end fashion and sophistication.
But is Chanel a unisex brand? Let’s take a closer look.
History of Chanel
Chanel began as a women’s fashion brand, specializing in hats and later expanding to clothing and accessories. The brand became famous for its elegant designs that were both fashionable and practical. Coco Chanel was known for her innovative designs that challenged traditional gender norms, such as introducing pantsuits for women.
Chanel Today
Today, Chanel is still primarily known as a women’s fashion brand, with its iconic tweed suits and quilted handbags. However, the brand has also expanded into men’s fashion and accessories.
Chanel Men’s Collection
In 2018, Chanel launched its first-ever men’s collection called “Boys & Girls,” which was designed by Karl Lagerfeld. The collection featured classic Chanel elements such as tweed jackets and pearl necklaces but with a modern twist.
Celebrities Wearing Chanel
Many male celebrities have been spotted wearing Chanel on the red carpet. Pharrell Williams famously wore a chanel tweed jacket to the Oscars in 2017, while Harry Styles has been seen wearing chanel jewelry and clothing on multiple occasions.
Is Chanel Unisex?
While Chanel does offer some men’s clothing and accessories, it is still primarily known as a women’s fashion brand. However, the brand’s innovative designs have challenged traditional gender norms in the past and continue to do so today.
Challenging Gender Norms
Coco Chanel herself challenged gender norms with her designs for women, such as introducing pantsuits in the 1920s when women were still expected to wear dresses. Lagerfeld continued this tradition by incorporating traditionally feminine elements, such as pearls and quilted bags, into his men’s collection.
Marketing Strategy
Chanel’s marketing strategy also plays a role in its perceived gender identity. The brand’s advertisements and runway shows often feature exclusively female models, reinforcing the idea that Chanel is primarily a women’s brand.
Conclusion
While Chanel does offer some men’s clothing and accessories, it is still primarily known as a women’s fashion brand. However, the brand’s history of challenging gender norms and incorporation of traditionally feminine elements into its men’s collection suggest that it is open to exploring new ideas and pushing boundaries. Ultimately, whether or not Chanel is a unisex brand depends on individual interpretation and perception.