Dressmaker Extraordinaire
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”.
From a humble seamstress to becoming the only fashion designer on Time magazine's list of 100 most influential people of the 20th century. From selling hats to creating a fashion sense that women coveted for its comfort, elegance, and timelessness, world over. From being brought up in orphanages to living in lavish villas and chateaus. Accused of controversial romances and spying, Coco Chanel created a grand life out of sheer talent, ambition, and energy. Hers is the saga of a legend that lives on in Rue Cambon, where women are unrelentingly queuing up every day to own a bit of the cult that is Coco Chanel.
If you are wondering why I suddenly find the life of Coco Chanel fascinating, just take a look at Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Grace, luxury, and comfort. Yes, I am talking about the legendary LBD, just one of Chanel’s famous creations, and now oxygen for every fashionable woman’s wardrobe. If you want to know more about Chanel creations, read on. I have gathered a gold mine of info on this fashion visionary.
If you are wondering why I suddenly find the life of Coco Chanel fascinating, just take a look at Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Grace, luxury, and comfort. Yes, I am talking about the legendary LBD, just one of Chanel’s famous creations, and now oxygen for every fashionable woman’s wardrobe. If you want to know more about Chanel creations, read on. I have gathered a gold mine of info on this fashion visionary.
The Chanel Philosophy
“Look for the woman in the dress. If there is no woman, there is no dress.”
If the dress is more and the woman is less, nobody will see the woman. This was the basis of Chanel’s design philosophy. She introduced the concept of minimalistic, chic casuals to the elite, well-off woman. Women welcomed this fresh perspective, because it allowed them to move around freely while looking good. It became the smart way to dress.
If the dress is more and the woman is less, nobody will see the woman. This was the basis of Chanel’s design philosophy. She introduced the concept of minimalistic, chic casuals to the elite, well-off woman. Women welcomed this fresh perspective, because it allowed them to move around freely while looking good. It became the smart way to dress.
The Legacy that Still Breathes
“For me, Chanel is like music. There are certain notes and you have to make another tune with them.” – Karl Lagerfeld.
Today, Lagerfeld’s touch is seen in Chanel’s designs, but the symbolism behind the label still remains that of a feminine, strong woman who isn’t afraid to experiment with comfort and sophistication. It is no wonder that fashion icons like Kate Moss, Katie Holmes and Cameron Diaz embrace Chanel designs with ritualistic reverence. Women all over the world still covet the double C monogram, still desire the famous Camellia flower design, and still buy the Chanel fragrance – Chanel no.5. Owning a ‘Chanel’ can still send a head rush to a woman.
Today, Lagerfeld’s touch is seen in Chanel’s designs, but the symbolism behind the label still remains that of a feminine, strong woman who isn’t afraid to experiment with comfort and sophistication. It is no wonder that fashion icons like Kate Moss, Katie Holmes and Cameron Diaz embrace Chanel designs with ritualistic reverence. Women all over the world still covet the double C monogram, still desire the famous Camellia flower design, and still buy the Chanel fragrance – Chanel no.5. Owning a ‘Chanel’ can still send a head rush to a woman.
Chanel's Everlasting Creations
The LBD
“When you wear black you see the women when you wear color you see the color.”
It must have been Chanel’s love of simplicity or just her unparalleled genius that inspired her to pick a color associated with mourning and prove that it could make the chicest of evening wears. The only accessories accompanying this look were strands of pearls around the neck. For Karl Lagerfeld the little black dress epitomizes the Chanel philosophy. “One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress,” he says.
It must have been Chanel’s love of simplicity or just her unparalleled genius that inspired her to pick a color associated with mourning and prove that it could make the chicest of evening wears. The only accessories accompanying this look were strands of pearls around the neck. For Karl Lagerfeld the little black dress epitomizes the Chanel philosophy. “One is never over-dressed or underdressed with a Little Black Dress,” he says.
The 2.55
“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.”
A practical yet stylish creation of Chanel was replacing the clutch with a handbag. The bag was named 2.55 in accordance with the date of its creation – February 1955. With this trendy number, Chanel rid women of the encumbrance of holding a bag. Even while carrying their belongings, women could walk around gracefully, with their hands free.
A practical yet stylish creation of Chanel was replacing the clutch with a handbag. The bag was named 2.55 in accordance with the date of its creation – February 1955. With this trendy number, Chanel rid women of the encumbrance of holding a bag. Even while carrying their belongings, women could walk around gracefully, with their hands free.
Chanel No. 5
Perfume “is the unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion . . . . That heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure”.
Another House of Chanel creation that has timelessly held its ground is the legendary perfume, Chanel no. 5. It was in 1924 that the corporate entity ‘Parfums Chanel’ was created. A host of leading ladies in Hollywood and other cinemas have endorsed the fragrance including Marilyn Monroe, who purred famously when asked what she wore to bed, “Why, Chanel no. 5 of course”. Created by Ernest Beaux, this olfactory work of art is known to have close to 83 ingredients, and yet not a single essence stands out. The bottle reportedly flies off the shelves every 55 seconds worldwide. Here, I am elated to announce that I am one of those buyers, and a rectangular bottle stands proud on my shelf.
Another House of Chanel creation that has timelessly held its ground is the legendary perfume, Chanel no. 5. It was in 1924 that the corporate entity ‘Parfums Chanel’ was created. A host of leading ladies in Hollywood and other cinemas have endorsed the fragrance including Marilyn Monroe, who purred famously when asked what she wore to bed, “Why, Chanel no. 5 of course”. Created by Ernest Beaux, this olfactory work of art is known to have close to 83 ingredients, and yet not a single essence stands out. The bottle reportedly flies off the shelves every 55 seconds worldwide. Here, I am elated to announce that I am one of those buyers, and a rectangular bottle stands proud on my shelf.
The Camellia
“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.”
Chanel loved the symbol of the Camellia. Its stark, white simplicity inspired her. It made its appearance first in a 1933 ensemble, ornamented on a white –trimmed black suit. Ever since, this flower has been associated with the House of Chanel.
Chanel loved the symbol of the Camellia. Its stark, white simplicity inspired her. It made its appearance first in a 1933 ensemble, ornamented on a white –trimmed black suit. Ever since, this flower has been associated with the House of Chanel.
Looking over her life’s work, Chanel created a brand that is history, but also a brand that is still contemporary. It still makes perfect sense to buy Chanel. Chanel’s story is a fascinating journey of a visionary’s struggle to the top echelons of the fashion industry. It must be told. As Coco said,
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different”.
“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different”.