Who Did Coco Chanel Leave Her Fortune To?

Coco Chanel, the French fashion designer, is one of the most iconic figures in the fashion industry. She revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing comfortable and practical clothing such as the little black dress and the Chanel suit.

However, there is more to Coco Chanel than just her contribution to the fashion industry. In this article, we will explore who Coco Chanel left her fortune to.

The Early Life of Coco Chanel

Before we dive into who Coco Chanel left her fortune to, let’s take a quick look at her early life. Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was born in Saumur, France in 1883.

She had a difficult childhood and was sent to an orphanage after her mother’s death. It was at the orphanage where she learned how to sew.

In 1909, Coco Chanel opened her first store in Paris selling hats. Later on, she expanded her business and started designing clothing for women that were comfortable and practical.

Coco Chanel’s Personal Life

Coco Chanel never married and did not have any children. She had several love affairs throughout her life but remained independent and focused on her career.

During World War II, Coco Chanel had an affair with a Nazi officer which tarnished her reputation. After the war, she fled to Switzerland but returned to Paris in 1954 to revive her fashion business.

Who Did Coco Chanel Leave Her Fortune To?

Coco Chanel passed away on January 10th, 1971 at the age of 87 in Paris. She left behind a vast fortune estimated to be around $19 billion today.

Coco Chanel did not leave any children or direct heirs behind. Instead, she left most of her fortune to a charitable foundation called The Chanel Foundation which supports various causes such as education and research in science.

However, it is important to note that Coco Chanel did have a nephew named André Palasse who she had a close relationship with. She left him a small portion of her fortune and some of her personal belongings.

In Conclusion

In summary, Coco Chanel, the iconic fashion designer, left most of her fortune to The Chanel Foundation which supports various charitable causes. Although she did not have any direct heirs, she did leave a small portion of her fortune to her nephew AndrĂ© Palasse. Coco Chanel may be remembered for revolutionizing women’s fashion but her philanthropic legacy lives on through The Chanel Foundation.