Chanel is one of the most iconic and recognizable luxury fashion brands in the world. The brand has been known for its exquisite clothing, accessories, and fragrances.
But, have you ever wondered why Chanel has a flower as its logo? What does it signify? In this article, we will explore the history behind Chanel’s famous flower.
The Camellia Flower
Chanel’s signature flower is none other than the camellia. The camellia is a delicate and beautiful flower that has been used as a decorative motif in fashion for centuries.
The founder of Chanel, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was particularly fond of this flower because it did not have any fragrance. She believed that scents should come from perfumes rather than from clothing or accessories.
Why did Coco Chanel choose the camellia?
Coco Chanel first fell in love with the camellia when she received a bouquet of them from her lover, Arthur Capel. He was one of her greatest influences and supporters throughout her life. The camellia quickly became her favorite flower and she began incorporating it into her designs.
One of the reasons why Coco chose to use the camellia as her emblem was because it was a symbol of purity and longevity in Asian cultures. In Japan, the camellia represents perfection and refinement.
Another reason why she chose to use this flower was because it was very difficult to replicate in fabric. Unlike other flowers which could be easily copied with embroidery or prints, the camellia had intricate layers making it difficult to imitate.
The History Behind The Camellia Flower
The history of the camellia goes back centuries ago in China where it was revered as a symbol of wealth and purity among both scholars and artists alike. It wasn’t until 1739 when botanist Georg Kamel discovered this beautiful flower in the Philippines and named it after himself.
In the 1800s, the camellia made its way to Europe and quickly became a favorite among royalty and aristocrats. The flower’s beauty and elegance made it a popular choice for fashion designers and artists.
Chanel And The Camellia
Coco Chanel was always looking for ways to set herself apart from other designers of her time. She was known for her minimalist approach to fashion and her use of simple yet elegant materials. The camellia became an integral part of her design aesthetic because it embodied the same qualities that she strived for in her clothing.
Chanel used the camellia in many different ways throughout her designs. She used it as a decorative motif on hats, dresses, handbags, and even jewelry. Today, the camellia remains a signature element of Chanel’s design language.
The Camellia In Modern Day
The camellia continues to be an important part of Chanel’s brand identity even today. You can see the flower incorporated into many of their designs such as their famous quilted handbags and jewelry collections.
In recent years, Chanel has also partnered with various artists to create stunning installations featuring their signature flower. These installations have been displayed in cities all over the world including Paris, Hong Kong, and New York City.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Coco Chanel chose the camellia as her emblem because of its elegance, simplicity, and symbolism. It has become an iconic symbol of the brand that represents purity, refinement, and longevity. The camellia continues to be an integral part of Chanel’s design language even today and will forever be associated with this legendary fashion house.