A unique identity, remaining and maintaining absolute modernity, yet showcasing a chic avant-garde artistic flare.
Harper Bazaar in 1915 declared, “The woman who hasn’t at least one Chanel is hopelessly out of fashion.”
Coco Chanel was the monumental fashion mogul that officially crucified the ever so restricting corseted female hourglass. Generations of women will be forever grateful. She decided to reinvent the constraints for the woman of the post WW1 time. Redeemed freedom, youthful silhouette and free as a bird confidence.
In 1910, Miss Chanel Coco opened a shop in Paris and sold hats, but her creative mind could not stop expanding further afield.
Ethnic references and inspirations makes some noise in the fashion world. Coco Chanel answered it’s call.
Being inspired by Slavic designs around the 1920s brought us beaded garments and ever so detailed embroidery. A passionate romantic fling with Tsar Nicholas the seconds cousin, Dmitri
Pavlovich kick started her imaginative designs in such a style.
Where did she triumph? The introduction of the Chanel suit! The new sophisticated look for the every-day woman.
Inspired by men’s tweed and hunting jackets created waves in 1925. America fell in love with the new direction for women’s fashion. Despite it being seen as a mockery when first
revealed, Coco Chanel had confidence in her new look and the demand certainly followed.
How can I not mention the Chanel little black dress. This legendary look still thrives today. Initially it was long sleeved and silk. This style was renowned as fashion-forward, exuberating the sexiness and youthfulness women of the 1920s was ready for.
Chanel exuberates female self confidence and
empowerment.
Belts, pearls and sunglasses to accessorize of course. This woman is the full package. The contemporary individuals fell in love with her jewelled creations. Yet again, inspired by her
aristocratic lovers. She in fact launched her own jewellery mausoleum with her lover Duke Fulco di Verdura.
A House of Chanel Jewellery was born. Chanel said “It’s disgusting to walk around with millions around the neck because one happens to be rich. I only like fake jewellery…because it’s
provocative.” She created the perfect balance between desirability and exclusivity.
The Camellia flower is synonymous with Chanel. It can’t be missed on packaging, bags, clothing, jewellery and shoes. This was a staple for her. Her polo loving admirer, Boy Capel gifted her such a
flower.
Silk versions began to appear in her hair as an accessory. It’s known to be a symbol of longevity, purity and faithfulness. The flower is also scentless. This only encourage the lady herself to
spray the flowers with Chanel No 5 of course. Her one and only fragrance of choice.
Coco Chanel’s story ended in 1971, when she sadly passed at the age of 87 years old. Following this the monumental legend Karl Lagerfeld was appointed artistic director of the show-stopping Chanel brand in 1983 and continued her tremendous legacy.
In 1999, the travel collection was created and launched working with Luxottica presenting a new line of Chanel glasses and sunglasses. The design goes from elegant to bold, showcasing a bit of Coco Chanel’s personality in each frame design.
Showing homage to time spent as a youngling sewing at the orphanage, Chanel has designs where a quilting pattern can be found on the frames.
The famous logo of the intertwined ‘C’s’ is another way
to spot one frame afar. Each frame is made with the highest of quality acetate to give every product that clean finish. Each
small detail and ornament is handmade and made with such detail.
All Chanel eyewear is made from the highest quality polished acetate. The tweed style acetate frames use patterns exclusive to brand. Each decoration attached to a Chanel frame is handmade
and assembled with the utmost care and attention to detail.
Another detailing on Chanel frames shows a leather strap design intertwined like a metal chain inspired by a horse’s bridle. This was inspired by the love of horses of Mademoiselle. This also created the quilted arms too. Coco Chanel always was known for wearing pearls. Real or fake, she wore them all. This was a staple look.
Chanel was one of the first ladies from a wealthy background
to wear fake jewellery proudly.
I find Chanel evidently inspiring and continuously trend setting.
This season, will Chanel be a staple in your look book?
