Fashion Flashback: Coco Chanel
We all know Chanel as one of the most luxurious brands in the world –from the iconic Chanel no 5, to the classic quilted bag, and of course, the Little Black Dress – the brand has forged an inimitable signature look. Today, led by Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel remains at the forefront of fashion with their haute couture runway shows whose production design never falls short of drama, precision, and iconoclastic style.
As she once said “fashion changes, but style endures”, Coco Chanel has forged not merely a grand house of fashion, but moreover she’s made herself into an eternal icon: a symbol of elegance and unapologetic joie de vivre. Here’s a quick trip down memory lane, as we remember Chanel’s important milestones:
1883
Gabrielle Bonhuer Chanel is born in Saumur, France
1910
Now called “Coco” (allegedly a shortened version of the nickname cocette, meaning 'kept woman'), she opens her first shop, selling hats, on 31 Rue de Cambon called Chanel Modes.
1921
Chanel No 5 is released to select clientele in the Rue Cambon boutique.
1926
Chanel published a picture of a short, simple black dress in American Vogue. It was calf-length, straight and decorated only by a few diagonal lines. [1] Vogue called it "Chanel's Ford". Like the Model T, the little black dress was simple and accessible for women of all social classes. Vogue also said that the LBD would become "a sort of uniform for all women of taste” [2]
1953
Chanel No.5 officially becomes a worldwide phenomenon. More popularized due to Marylin Monroe’s infamous interview response to the question “What do you wear to bed?” She replies “Chanel No 5”.
1950s
The 2.55 quilted iconic bag is popularized.
1971
Coco Chanel passes away.
1983
German designer Karl Lagerfeld becomes Creative Director for the brand ushering in more iconic looks and avant-garde fashion runways.
2015
Chanel pays homage to Roman and Parisian cinema in the Paris-Rome 2015-2016 "Métiers d'art” fashion show. Displaying the fashion house's extravagant set design and fashion-forward vision.
2017
Lily Rose Depp walks the January 2017 Chanel runway held at the Grand Palais as the show’s iconic bride.