When we think of Chanel, most of us immediately picture the iconic double C logo and the luxurious, timeless fashion pieces that the brand has become renowned for. However, what many people may not know is that Chanel’s first ever product was not a clothing item or accessory. In fact, it was something much more humble.
The first thing that Coco Chanel sold was actually hats. That’s right – hats. But not just any hats – stylish and innovative designs that revolutionized women’s fashion in the early 20th century.
At the time when Chanel opened her first boutique in 1910, women’s hats were typically large and elaborate creations adorned with feathers, ribbons and other embellishments. However, Chanel had a different vision for what headwear should be – simple, elegant and functional.
Her first collection consisted of just a few designs, but they were unlike anything seen before in the world of millinery. These hats were made from straw and featured clean lines, minimal decorations and a lack of ostentatiousness that set them apart from their contemporaries. They were also designed to sit low on the head rather than perched atop it like most other hats at the time.
Chanel’s approach to hat design was inspired by her own personal style and practicality. As someone who had grown up poor and had worked as a seamstress before becoming a fashion designer, she understood the importance of function over form. She wanted to create hats that could be worn by everyday women for everyday occasions, rather than just for special events.
Her designs quickly caught on with fashionable Parisian women who appreciated their simplicity and versatility. The success of her hat collection paved the way for her to expand into clothing design, eventually leading to the creation of some of the most iconic fashion pieces in history such as the little black dress and tweed jackets.
In conclusion, while we may now associate Chanel with high-end fashion staples such as handbags and perfume, it’s important to remember that the brand’s humble beginnings were rooted in the world of millinery. Coco Chanel’s innovative and practical approach to hat design set her apart from her contemporaries and helped to establish her as one of the most influential fashion designers of all time.