Coco Chanel, the iconic fashion designer, is known for revolutionizing women’s fashion and creating timeless pieces that are still popular today. But have you ever wondered who inherited her fashion empire after her death?
Early Life of Coco Chanel
Before we dive into who inherited Coco Chanel, let’s take a brief look at her life. Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, famously known as Coco Chanel, was born in Saumur, France in 1883.
She grew up in an orphanage where she learned to sew and developed a passion for fashion. In 1910, she opened her first boutique in Paris and started designing hats.
Chanel’s Rise to Fame
Chanel quickly gained fame for her unique designs that were different from the popular corseted styles of the time. She introduced comfortable clothing for women that were not only stylish but also practical. Her signature designs included the little black dress, tweed jacket, and quilted handbag.
Coco Chanel’s Death
Coco Chanel passed away on January 10, 1971, at the age of 87 due to heart failure. Her fashion empire was worth millions of dollars at the time of her death.
Who Inherited Coco Chanel?
After Coco Chanel’s death in 1971, it was revealed that she had no children or living relatives. As a result, her fashion empire was left to a group of business partners who had been working with her for many years.
The Wertheimer brothers – Alain and Gerard – were among those partners who helped Coco Chanel establish her business in its early days. They bought out Pierre Wertheimer’s shares in Parfums Chanel and became majority shareholders.
Today, both Alain and Gerard Wertheimer are co-owners of the House of Chanel along with their families.
The Legacy Continues
Under the Wertheimer brothers’ ownership, Chanel has continued to thrive with their innovative designs and marketing strategies. The company has expanded to include not only clothing but also accessories, fragrances, and cosmetics.
In recent years, Chanel has been headed by Karl Lagerfeld who passed away in 2019. Today, Virginie Viard is the creative director of the fashion house.
Conclusion
Although Coco Chanel had no living relatives to inherit her fashion empire, her legacy continues under the ownership of the Wertheimer brothers. The House of Chanel remains one of the most iconic fashion brands in the world today and continues to inspire new generations of fashion designers.