“I don’t do fashion, I am
fashion.” : Coco Chanel.
Some people say that once in a hundred years, someone is born capable to change the world. That
“someone” was Coco Chanel. Gabriel Bonheur Chanel, was perhaps the most important
designer in fashion history. A woman far away from her time; succeeded, not only to change the data, but
she was the definition of the elegance. She gave, to the womanhood
characteristics which follow her even today.
In 1910, financed
her first independent millinery shop, “Chanel Modes, at 31 rue Cambon”, Paris. The First World War (1914–18)
affected European fashion through scarcity
of materials, and the mobilization of women. By that time, Chanel had opened a
large dress shop at “31 rue Cambon, near the Hôtel Ritz”, in
Paris. Αmong
the clothes for sale were flannel blazers, straight-line
skirts of linen, sailor blouses, long
sweaters made of jersey fabric, and
skirt-and-jacket suits. Soon the name
“Coco Chanel” will be represents the definition of chic. In search of a
luxurious simplicity, Coco, gave to her clothes the perfection that she expected.
In 1922, she launched the perfume No 5 by the famous perfumer Ernest Beaux. It was the first created by a fashion designer and connected directly to ethereal female existence. It was a perfume that reflected everything advocated by Chanel; destined to be one of the most popular fragrances in fashion’s history. Today it is estimated that a bottle of No 5 is sold every 30’ seconds. She stated: “...A woman who does not wear a perfume has no future...”
The perfume was not the only new piece of Chanel. In 1926, she launched the little black dress, simple and different from the usual. It was a hallmark of the house. (The little black dress is an evening or cocktail dress, cut simply and often quite short.) Intended to be long-lasting, versatile , affordable and accessible to the widest market possible and in a neutral color. Chanel also established tanning and short hair on women. She was also invented female pants, conflicted with the establishment of her time. It is believed that she gave a personal touch to the movement of female emancipation, with her clothes and her busy life. Coco also launched and established the chain belt, jewellery to clothes (creating her own jewels), and the gipsy look.
(The little black dress)
She was decided to exceed "the barriers" of her time. Coco wanted to express herself by her clothes. Her designs are reflected even today at the catwalks of modern designers. She was a style icon; who achieved to turn her appearance and even her own personality to ideals of elegance and lifestyle.
Quality, taste and integrity, were the three things that characterized her work. Coco Chanel was the definition of fashion.
-P. P.
