Coco Chanel: The fashion design legend behind the multi-billion dollar label

Thursday, 14 June 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Coco Chanel name is a globally venerated personality, owing not only to her exceptional creative talent but also because she created an internationally successful business through fashion. While most people are familiar with Chanel as a luxury designer brand, few know anything about the middle-class woman who founded and singlehandedly built the multi-billion dollar fashion label ‘Chanel’.

The impact Chanel had on the history of fashion and clothing is simply undeniable; Businesswoman and designer, “Coco” Chanel was the only individual in the field of fashion, to be named one of ‘The Time 100: Most Important People in History’ for the twentieth century. Chanel contributed numerous elements to the world of women’s fashion - the little black dress, her one of a kind Chanel No. 5 fragrance, comfortable tweed jackets and much more.

Chanel the brand

Past and present – Chanel is a top fashion label defined by elegance and simplicity. The Chanel suits were inspired by menswear styling – with comfort and design reigning supreme. Over the years, her popular collections primarily incorporated variations of her favourite hues – beige, black and white.

Chanel philosophy

Before Coco’s creations in the early 1900s, most women were still sporting the uncomfortable corseted attire that initially typified fashion of the period. Coco’s perception of fashion was often inspired by menswear, and the need for women to be just as comfortable as men.

At the time, Coco’s new standard of style changed how the world regarded women’s fashion – and even femininity. She originated classic jersey suits and dresses for women –specifically the signature Chanel suiting and little black dress.

Chanel’s impact on the world

Coco’s inventive designs set the tone, for many of the styles during the period of the twentieth century, and countless trends that we continue to see designers incorporating into the fashion industry today.

Many people can create “trendy” fashion but, unfortunately, not many are capable of creating fashion that is classic - a work of art with timeless appeal. As a dominant force in the fashion industry Coco Chanel knew how to create a masterpiece. Her simple quote, “Fashion fades, only style remains the same,” captures the true essence of her level of innovation.

During the twentieth century, by shrewdly employing every resource available to her, Coco rose to prominence as a businesswoman, defining herself as a foremost designer, who created the ultimate luxury brand – Chanel. Her legacy continues to live on in fashion through the 21st century fashion mastermind Karl Lagerfeld who currently heads Chanel design staying true to Chanel’s original design Philosophy.