Coco Chanel, also known as Gabrielle Chanel, was a French fashion designer who revolutionized the fashion industry. She is considered one of the most influential figures in fashion history. Here are three facts about her that you may not know:
Fact #1: Chanel was born into poverty
Coco Chanel was born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. Her mother was a laundrywoman and her father a street vendor who sold work clothes and undergarments. After her mother passed away when she was just 12 years old, her father left the family and Coco and her two sisters were sent to an orphanage.
Despite her humble beginnings, Coco went on to become one of the wealthiest women in the world and built a fashion empire that still exists today.
Fact #2: She popularized the “little black dress”
In 1926, Coco Chanel introduced the “little black dress” (LBD) to the world. Prior to this time, black was only worn for mourning or by servants. The LBD quickly became a staple in women’s wardrobes and has remained popular ever since.
Chanel once said of the LBD, “It is too long a story to recount here..but it owes everything to a sort of uniform with which I have equipped myself since the war.what had thus been created was a sort of Ford: practical, simple, and affordable for everyone.”
Fact #3: She had multiple romantic relationships
Coco Chanel never married but had several romantic relationships throughout her life. Some of her most notable lovers included Étienne Balsan (a wealthy textile heir), Arthur Capel (an English polo player), and composer Igor Stravinsky.
Chanel’s relationships were often scandalous and controversial, as she was involved with men who were already married or had mistresses. However, she was also known to be fiercely independent and refused to be tied down by traditional societal norms.
Conclusion
Coco Chanel was a trailblazer in the fashion industry and her legacy continues to inspire designers today. From her humble beginnings to her iconic designs, Chanel’s life is a testament to the power of perseverance and creativity.