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

Above Chanel store at 31 Rue de Cambon today

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.

Above photo from www.vogue.com

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]

Above photo from www.chanel.com | Monroe is photographed with a bottle of Chanel No.5 by her bedside table

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.

References:
[1] Miranda, Eugenia. "From the Archives: Ten Vogue “Firsts”." Vogue. Vogue, 31 Aug. 2012. Web. 01 Feb. 2017.

[2] Edelman, Amy Holman (1998). The Little Black Dress. Aurum.

Topics

coco chanel Chanel

Tatler Asia