Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, was a French fashion designer and founder of the famous Chanel brand. Her legacy in the fashion world has continued to inspire many designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. In this article, we will delve into her life and legacy by answering the question – when was Coco Chanel born and died?
Early Life
Coco Chanel was born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. She was the second-born in a family of five children.
Her parents were not wealthy, and her father worked as a peddler while her mother worked as a laundrywoman. After the death of her mother when she was twelve years old, Coco was sent to live in an orphanage run by nuns.
Career
Chanel’s fashion career started in 1909 when she opened her first hat shop in Paris. Her unique designs that incorporated simplicity, comfort, and elegance gained popularity among women who wanted to break free from the corseted fashions of that time. In 1913, she opened her first boutique selling clothes that challenged traditional gender roles by incorporating masculine elements such as tweed jackets and trousers for women.
Chanel’s iconic designs continued to gain popularity throughout the 1920s and ’30s. She introduced timeless pieces such as the little black dress (LBD) and quilted handbags with chain straps that are still popular today. During World War II, Chanel closed her shops but returned to fashion design in 1954 at the age of seventy-one.
Death
Coco Chanel died on January 10th, 1971 at the age of eighty-seven years old. She passed away peacefully in her room at Ritz Hotel in Paris where she had lived for more than thirty years.
Legacy
Coco Chanel’s legacy in the fashion world continues to inspire designers to this day. Her designs that incorporated simplicity and elegance revolutionized the fashion industry and challenged traditional gender roles. The Chanel brand she founded has continued to thrive, producing timeless pieces that have become wardrobe staples for women all over the world.
Conclusion
Coco Chanel was a visionary fashion designer whose legacy continues to inspire many people today. Her designs may have been revolutionary at the time, but they have stood the test of time, becoming timeless pieces that continue to be popular today. She will forever be remembered as a pioneer who broke free from traditional gender roles and revolutionized the fashion industry.