From her first millinery shop, opened in 1912, to the 1920s, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel rose to become one of the premier fashion designers in Paris, France. Replacing the corset with comfort and casual elegance, her fashion themes included simple suits and dresses, women's trousers, costume jewelry, perfume and textiles. She claimed a birthdate of 1893 and a birthplace of Auvergne; she was actually born in 1883 in Saumur - her mother worked in the poorhouse where Gabrielle was born, and died when Gabrielle was only six, leaving her father with five children whom he promptly abandoned to the care of relatives. She adopted the name Coco during a brief career as a cafe and concert singers 1905-1908. First a mistress of a wealthy military officer then of an English industrialist, she drew on the resources of these patrons in setting up a millinery shop in Paris in 1910, expanding to Deauville and Biarritz. The two men also helped her find customers among women of society, and her simple hats became popular. Soon she was expanding to couture, working in jersey, a first in the French fashion world. By the 1920s, her fashion house had expanded considerably, and her chemise set a fashion trend with its "little boy" look. Her relaxed fashions, short skirts, and casual look were in sharp contrast to the corset fashions popular in the previous decades. Chanel herself dressed in mannish clothes, and adapted these more comfortable fashions which other women also found liberating. In 1922 Chanel introduced a perfume, Chanel No. 5, which became and remained popular, and remains a profitable product of Chanel's company. Pierre Wertheimer became her partner in the perfume business in 1924, and perhaps also her lover. Wertheimer owned 70% of the company; Coco Chanel received 10% and her friend Bader 20%. The Wertheimers continue to control the perfume company today. Coco Chanel introduced her signature cardigan jacket in 1925 and signature "little black dress" in 1926. Most of her fashions had a staying power, and didn't change much from year to year -- or even generation to generation.
The House of Chanel simply called Chanel is a French fashion house. The creator of Chanel was a French designer Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel. This venture has indeed revolutanalised the conventional attires like corsets. Unfussiness and grace are equally given due position for the entire designer wears from Chanel. Cardigan Jackets and Chanel suits are their signature outfits. In the beginning, Chanel was the most favorite of all the elites in France. Now, it has been picked by the elegant and wealthy crowd in London and Paris. Since the launch of this enterprise, there had been two eras in terms of the leadership. The first one, of course is the Coco Chanel Era, which was from the year 1909 till her death in the year 1971. The second era was called as Karl Lagerfield era that continued the rich tradition of new and innovative fashion lines. Chanel had a humble beginning. She was the mistress of a division officer Etienne Balsan. She made eye-catching hats and all the fashionable ladies gave orders to Chanel for more and more copies. Later she started a couture shop and navy jerseys were her masterpiece attires. She was absolutely modern in her approach to patterns, such that the hemlines of her jerseys made ladies’ ankle noticeable. During the World wars, her contribution to the ladies’ dresses is commendable. Her practical designs stating that the ladies wear should be simple, light and quick to carry opened up a new era. The launch of costume jeweler was Chanel’s next mission. Pearls were selected in this specialty category. Perfumes were the next in line. The best part was that she marketed the perfume in her own label. Indeed, a lifestyle was advertised by the Chanel house of fashion. The perfume is named after her lucky number five as Chanel No.5. Not only feminine fragrances, but also perfumes and after shave lotions for men were introduced. The Chanel Crew is now financially managed by Wertheimer family.
Coco Chanel
Karl Lagerfeld For Chanel 1993-2005
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