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Do you know the story behind the woman who granted women the freedom to dress, during the World War II period?
GABRIELLE CHANEL - EARLY YEARS
Gabrielle Chanel was born in 19 August 1883 in Saumur, France. She was orphaned at the age of 12, following her mother’s tragic death from tuberculosis. Her father left her and her siblings on the doorstep of a Catholic orphanage where she spent the rest of her childhood. However, it was to stand her in good stead because it was where she learnt how to sew and make clothes.
You may be wondering, if her name is Gabrielle, why does she call herself Coco? That’s because in her youth she worked as a singer in a cafe, where she got the name “Coco” when she was identified with two popular songs “Ko Ko Ri Ko” and “Qui qu’a vu Coco”.
When she reached the age of 20, Coco opened her own hat shop, thanks to the financial support she received from a rich man, Boy Capel, an affluent Englishman who became the love of her life. Later she opened two more stores in which she began to sell clothes.
CHANEL No.5
In the year 1920, Chanel introduced the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume, crafted with the intent of revolutionizing the perception of femininity.
What you may not know is that the number 5 had great symbolism for the designer. Therefore, she kept the fifth sample of the perfume that she would present on May 5 (the fifth month of the year), as she said it would bring her good luck to keep the number 5.
. Coco Chanel’s famous Chanel No.5 was adopted by Marilyn Monroe as her scent of choice. Famously, Marilyn Monroe was once asked what she wore to bed and her response was “Only Chanel No.5”!
LITTLE BLACK DRESS
Coco Chanel went on to establish her remarkable legacy by crafting the renowned little black dress. With this design, Chanel allowed every women to walk like millionaires. Her LBD became a blend of masculinity with femininity and was a brand new look that took off not only in Paris but soon, across the wealthy classes in Western Europe.
CHANEL 2.55 BAG
Next, in 1955, Coco Chanel introduced the first Chanel bag and this was a huge moment for the brand. Among her numerous notable creations, the 2.55 bags stand out as a true icon. These bags, inspired by the functional satchels utilized by soldiers during wartime, became synonymous with Chanel’s name and style.
THE END OF AN ERA
With the onset of World War II in 1939, Chanel made the decision to close her couture house. In January 1971, Coco Chanel passed away at the age of 87, leaving behind a profound legacy. She remains cherished as a visionary designer who defied conventions and played a pivotal role in liberating women from the constraints of corsets and other restrictive garments.
KARL LAGERFELD TAKES CHANEL
After Coco Chanel’s passing in 1971, the fashion house faced a period of transition until the arrival of Karl Lagerfeld in 1983. Lagerfeld’s creative genius breathed new life into Chanel while preserving its heritage. He modernized the brand, adding contemporary elements while staying true to Coco Chanel’s original vision. Lagerfeld brought life back into the company, making it a huge success by revamping its ready-to-wear fashion line. Lagerfeld integrated the interlocked “CC” monogram of Coco Chanel into a style pattern for the House of Chanel.
TO BE CONTINUED…
Today, the Chanel brand continues to thrill, pieces from the brand, whether vintage or brand new are much coveted by royalty, A-listers, celebrities and aristocracy. Owning anything from Chanel but especially a Chanel handbag is seen as a milestone. Timeless, classic and always head-turning, there is nothing quite as fabulous as seeing a magnificent Chanel bag adding glamour to any outfit!
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Warm regards,
Vilma
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