Coco Chanel is a name that resonates in the world of fashion and style. She is known for her unique designs that revolutionized the way women dress.
But have you ever wondered where she lived and worked? Let’s explore the places where Coco Chanel spent her life.
The Early Years of Coco Chanel
Born in Saumur, France, on August 19, 1883, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel (later known as Coco) grew up in poverty after her mother passed away when she was just six years old. Her father, a peddler, left her and her siblings with nuns at a convent.
Deauville
In 1910, Coco opened her first boutique in Deauville, a small seaside town on the coast of Normandy. This store became an instant success, attracting wealthy clients from all over France. The store’s simple yet sophisticated designs reflected Coco’s own personal style and became popular among women who wanted to break free from the corsets and frills of the time.
Paris
After establishing herself in Deauville, Coco moved to Paris in 1914 where she opened another boutique at 21 rue Cambon. This store became the headquarters for all things Chanel and remains so to this day. The building has several floors with each floor serving a different purpose – haute couture designs on one floor while accessories are sold on another.
Rue Cambon Apartment
On the top floor of this same building was an apartment that served as Coco’s residence for most of her life. The apartment has been preserved to this day by Karl Lagerfeld who took over as head designer after Coco’s death in 1971. The apartment is decorated with antiques and artwork collected by Coco herself.
La Pausa
In the 1920s, Coco purchased a villa in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, a small town near the French-Italian border. The villa was named “La Pausa” which means “the pause” in French. It became her retreat from the busy fashion world of Paris and served as her inspiration for many of her collections.
Conclusion
Coco Chanel spent most of her life in France, living and working in various locations that helped shape her style and designs. From her humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential fashion designers of all time, Coco’s legacy lives on through her brand and the places she called home.