Coco Chanel, the legendary fashion designer, is known for revolutionizing women’s fashion with her iconic designs. One of her most iconic creations is the Chanel suit.
The Chanel suit has become synonymous with elegance, sophistication, and timeless style. But why did Chanel create the suit in the first place?
Early Life of Coco Chanel
To understand why Coco Chanel created the iconic suit, we need to delve into her past. Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was born in 1883 in Saumur, France.
She had a difficult childhood and was sent to an orphanage when she was 12 years old after her mother died. It was at the orphanage that she learned how to sew and developed an interest in fashion.
Coco Chanel’s Early Fashion Career
In 1910, Coco opened her first shop in Paris selling hats. Her designs were different from the popular styles of the time which were heavily embellished with feathers and flowers. Coco’s designs were simple, elegant, and focused on clean lines.
The Inspiration Behind The Suit
Coco’s inspiration for the suit came from menswear. In the 1920s, women’s fashion was still heavily influenced by corsets and frilly dresses that restricted movement. Coco wanted to create something that was comfortable yet stylish for women to wear.
The suit consisted of a fitted jacket with a collarless neckline and a straight skirt. The jacket had four pockets on the front and was made from tweed fabric which was traditionally used for men’s clothing. The skirt was knee-length and allowed freedom of movement.
The Impact Of The Suit
The Chanel suit became an instant hit among women who appreciated its comfort and simplicity. It also gained popularity among working women who needed practical yet stylish clothing for their jobs.
The impact of the suit went beyond just its design. It represented a new era of women’s fashion, one that was focused on functionality and comfort rather than just aesthetics. Coco Chanel had given women the freedom to dress as they pleased without sacrificing comfort.
The Legacy Of The Chanel Suit
The Chanel suit has stood the test of time and remains a symbol of elegance and sophistication. It has been worn by countless celebrities and influential figures such as Jackie Kennedy, Princess Diana, and Anna Wintour.
In conclusion, Coco Chanel created the iconic Chanel suit to give women an alternative to the restrictive clothing of the time. Her inspiration came from menswear which allowed her to create something that was both comfortable and stylish.
The suit not only revolutionized women’s fashion but also represented a new era of freedom for women to dress as they pleased. The legacy of the Chanel suit continues to inspire designers today and will continue to be a timeless piece in women’s fashion.