Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel Lauren Bartlett Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel “To be irreplaceable, one must always be different.” - Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel “Her early years were anything but glamorous.” Also known as Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. Born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. After her mother’s death, Chanel was put in an orphanage by her father at the age of twelve. Two sisters, two brothers. Raised by nuns who taught her how to sew, a skill that would lead to her life’s work.
The Name, Coco During her brief career as a singer, Chanel performed in clubs in Vichy and Moulins, where she was called “Coco.” Some say that the name was given to her by her audience for her songs "Ko Ko Ri Ko" and "Qui qu’a vu Coco". Chanel herself said that it was a “shortened version of cocotte, the French word for ‘kept woman.”
Early Success Starting out selling hats after opening her first shop in Paris in 1910. Added new stores in Deauville and Biarritz – making clothes. Much of Chanel’s clothing was made from jersey. Shades of beige, black and white. Jersey fabric: soft, elasticated, and unusual. It’s commonly used for men’s underwear. Chanel first purchased Jersey for its low cost. However, the qualities of the fabric suited Chanel’s desgins so she continued to use it – simple & practical.
Chanel No. 5 perfume “The unseen, unforgettable, ultimate accessory of fashion…that heralds your arrival and prolongs your departure.” In 1922, became and remained popular Top-of-the-line world class perfume ever since. One of the best known brands in the world. About one bottle is sold every 30 seconds. “It is the special woman that can afford the special Coco Chanel perfume.”
Chanel Suit “A dress isn’t right unless the arm lifts easily…elegance in clothes means freedom to move freely.” Introduced in 1925 with a collarless jacket and well-fitted skirt. Took the look of a mans suit and made it feminine and proper. The suits eliminated the waistline.
“Little Black Dress” “I don’t like people talking about the Chanel fashion, Chanel above all else, is a style. Fashion, you see, goes out of fashion. Style never.” Launched in 1926. Stylish for evening wear. Became a symbol of chic and sophisticated simplicity.
Closure and Comeback Chanel closed her salon in 1939, the beginning of WW II. Following war, she set out to rescue and bring back women’s fashion. Reopened in 1954. Updated classic looks. Reintroduced handbags, jewelry and shoes with great success. Challenges: securing finances, assembling a new staff, competing at age 70 against other designers.
Chanel’s Death Worked until her death - January 10, 1971. Assistants designed her fashion until Karl Lagerfeld took over in 1983. His ability to do this testifies the importance of Coco Chanel’s contribution to the world of fashion. Lagerfeld’s designs consisted of Chanel details, colors, gold chains, leather, the “CC” logo, and due to the fact the jersey fabric was used for men’s underwear, he incorporated men’s t-shirts and briefs into his designs.
Why Coco? “I make fashion women can live in, breathe in, feel comfortable in and look younger in.” Helped women say goodbye to the days of corsets and other confining garments. Borrowed ideas from men’s clothes and created clothes for modern women. For the first time in women’s fashion, women showed their bare ankles in the streets.
…”Coco, Coco, Coco!” - Madame Panaccione Surprised by the new style, but the use of jersey was successful. Broke the traditional forms of women’s clothes. Changed the way women dressed, made her style dominant once and forever.
Lessons Learned “ When life gets that much harder, it makes you that much stronger; some pages turned, some bridges burned, but there were lessons learned.” It’s possible to overcome poverty, and listen to our instincts. Important to believe in yourself and strive to make dreams come true. Many designers inherited the basic concept of simplicity and elegance from Chanel. Second bullet: Chanel new she was different from others. Third bullet: Chanel created basic forms of modern fashion.
Today January 28, 2010 – The French movie ‘Coco Avant Chanel’ premiered at Metro Big Cinemas – story of Coco Chanel’s rise from vague beginnings to the heights of the fashion world. Designs are still popular today - the average cost of a Chanel suit is $5,000. Chanel No. 5 remains one of the most famous and most expensive perfumes available anywhere in the world.
Inside Coco Chanel’s private apartment http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xpinr4Uts-8
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