Fashion Primer: Chanel

Background: Cocoa Chanel was born in 1883 in Saumar, France. She opened her first store selling hats, or “Chanel Modes,” to celebrities. In 1915, Coco opens her first haute couture store (French for “high-end fashion”).

What is Chanel well-known for?

Chanel N°5
- Released in 1921 as the first Chanel fragrance, Chanel N°5 is a symbol of femininity. It is “N°5” because it was the fifth scent presented to Coco.

The “Little Black Dress”
- In 1926, Coco published a “little black dress” sketch in American Vogue magazine. This simplistic, yet elegant look, took off during the Great Depression when fashion was forced to become simple.

The LBD started as a sketch and has gradually become a classic. Check out Audrey Hepburn’s classic black dress from “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” or Diana’s 1994 iconic “revenge” dress.

Chanel Tweed
- The classic tweed jacket was inspired by Cocos boyfriend-the Duke of Westminster– and his love for tweed outerwear. Since then, it has become iconic. Any tweed jacket or suit harkens back to Chanel’s classic 1920s design. (P.S Did you know “tweed” was actually called “twill” until it was misread by an Englishman?)

I love how Álex Blánquez Estellés styled his classic Chanel tweed. The quilted denim cuffs and softer knit give a casual, more modern vibe to this classic. However, the jacket’s cut and breast pockets are still reminiscent of the classic 1920s suit. For more Chanel styling, look at @alexandreblanquez .

Chanel 2.55 Bag (the original)
- The world was shook when Coco released a bag that *gasp* had a shoulder strap and freed a woman’s hands. The tiny bag was practical and pretty. It even had a hidden pocket for change, lipstick–or if you are like Coco Chanel–love letters.