Coco Chanel was considered as an edgy fashion designer but today we associate her name mostly with perfumes, especially Chanel No. 5. Who was she and what did she manage to accomplish?

Coco Chanel as a fashion designer

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel (1883-1971) was born in a small French town as the second out of five siblings she had. When she was 12, her mother died. Father left the family soon afterwards. Coco Chanel spent 6 years in an orphan’s house where she was taught how to sew. Her aunt, who took care of Gabrielle later, helped her master the sewing skills. In 1913 in Paris she opened her first shop selling clothes and hats. She based her projects on simplicity: jersey suits, polo necks, flared trousers, macks, simple jackets with no collars, knee-length miniskirts, long string pearls and male elements. Paradoxically, suits made of soft jersey, which had been considered back then was appropriate for undergarments only, owning to Chanel, won the title of classic look. In 1919, finally becoming popular, she set up her own fashion house under Chanel label where she promoted a humble missy style – comfortable, almost sporty clothes made of jersey. Coco Chanel projects found their way to rich and influential women who were sick and tired of wearing corsets.

Coco Chanel as a fragrance creator

Coco Chanel owned her biggest financial success to fragrance, Chanel No. 5, which came into existence in 1921. The moment it was introduced into the market, in 1922, the fragrance won immense popularity almost overnight. The supreme nose of Coco Chanel was initially Ernest Beaux, who also helped with developing Chanel No. 22. When it comes to Chanel No. 19, which came into existence a year before her death, it’s the work of Henri Robert. Chanel No. 18, in turn, was created by Jacques Polge in 2016. The truth is, Chanel launched many fragrances which are constantly winning more and more fans. Since 1983 the brand has been run by Karl Lagerfeld.

Coco Chanel – fun facts

• She was an illegitimate child. Her parents got married right after her birth.
• Between 1905-1908 she was performing under her pseudonym Coco as a singer in cafés and pubs. Although she couldn’t sing well, she made up for it with her dancing skills and charisma.
• At the beginning of the 60s she wanted to give lessons on elegance but she forgot that fashion changes along with époque. The harsh criticism concerning mini-skirts and jeans didn’t help her become famous.
• She was a drug addict.
• Throughout her entire life she was stressing her anti-Semitic views.
• Despite many famous love affairs, she was neither married nor she had kids.