Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel, the renowned fashion designer, was born on August 19, 1883.

Coco Chanel, a French dressmaker who revolutionized fashion and the world of haute couture, was born. She expressed the aspirations of freedom and equality of women in the twentieth century and went on to found the Chanel brand.

In February 1895, Coco Chanel's mother passed away, marking a significant event in her life.

Coco Chanel entered Notre Dame, a finishing school for young ladies, on April 11, 1901.

In 1905, Coco Chanel experienced her first love.

In 1906, Coco Chanel started to nurture her skills as a designer in Paris. She initially created hats for her friends in Royallieu, showcasing simplicity and elegance. Additionally, she even designed a pair of trousers for herself and had them tailored by the local tailor.

In 1908, Coco Chanel established her first business venture. This marked a significant milestone in her career as a designer and entrepreneur, laying the foundation for her future success in the fashion industry.

In 1910, Coco Chanel opened her first store on 21 Rue Cambon in Paris, initially selling hats. The boutique quickly gained popularity among French actresses, establishing Chanel as a reputable designer.

During World War I in 1914, Chanel's designs were often inspired by menswear uniforms. Her clothing, known for being simple and practical, reflected the wartime influences.

Coco Chanel opened her first shop in Paris, which was a gift from her lover Arthur 'Boy' Capel. The shop was located on the streets of Paris.

After the First World War in 1918, Boy ended his relationship with Coco Chanel to marry an aristocrat, marking a significant personal event for Coco.

In 1919, at the age of thirty-two, Coco Chanel achieved significant success in the fashion industry with her uncluttered styles that allowed women to abandon corsets and engage in practical activities during the war.

In 1920, Coco Chanel developed a close friendship with the renowned artist Pablo Picasso.

Using the earnings from her first shop and the backdrop of World War 1, Coco Chanel opened her second shop in Paris.

Coco Chanel had a new romance with the poet Pierre Reverdy, who despite being married, felt devoted to her. He expressed his feelings for Chanel through dedications in his works.

Around 1923, Coco Chanel met the wealthy Hugh Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster, aboard his yacht, sparking a decades-long relationship. Despite his marriage proposal, Chanel famously turned him down, stating 'There have been several Duchesses of Westminster—but there is only one Chanel!'

In 1924, Coco Chanel opened a Chanel House in London, expanding her fashion empire to the British capital.

Coco Chanel blended over 80 different scents to create Chanel No. 5, which became one of the most expensive perfumes in the world at that time.

In 1928, Coco Chanel purchased Villa La Pausa, a summer house located on the French Riviera. She was deeply in love at the time, dreaming of marriage and wanting to have a child with her partner. Additionally, she took measures to conceal her humble background by making her brothers rentiers to receive her pensions.

Coco Chanel and her Russian friend Misia visited their friend Diaghilev, who was seriously ill with diabetes, on August 17, 1929.

In 1931, Coco Chanel was hired by MGM for a million dollars to travel to Hollywood twice a year to dress their stars, including Greta Garbo, Gloria Swanson, Marlene Dietrich, and Katharine Hepburn.

In 1932, Coco Chanel met Paul Iribe, a French-Basque designer known for designing jewelry for Chanel. Despite being married, they became lovers. However, Iribe's wife later moved to America with their children.

In 1934, Coco Chanel rented an apartment at the Ritz hotel where she resided. During the summer of the same year, Paul Iribe divorced his wife and announced their commitment.

Paul died of a heart attack at a tennis match in front of Coco Chanel, causing her great sorrow.

In 1939, Coco Chanel decided to close her shops as she believed it was not the right time for fashion due to the outbreak of World War II.

During World War II, Coco Chanel met Hans Gunther Von Dincklage, a German attaché, and they shared a three-year love affair.

In 1944, she was arrested under the accusation of collaboration with the Nazis.

In 1945, she left Paris and went to Switzerland.

In 1953, Coco Chanel debuted her comeback collection of couture, which despite not being a critical success initially, eventually led to newfound respect for the designer. She updated her classic looks and reworked the iconic tweed designs, attracting wealthy women and celebrities back to the showroom.

She returned to Paris and reopened her fashion house out of boredom.

In February 1955, Chanel introduced the iconic Chanel 2.55 handbag, the first to feature a shoulder strap. This innovative design catered to the needs of high society women, combining style and functionality.

At 80 years old, despite being a millionaire, she continued to work. She lived a lonely life but her fragrance remained a top seller.

In 1969, Coco Chanel's life story inspired the Broadway musical 'Coco,' with Katharine Hepburn portraying the legendary designer. The show received critical acclaim and multiple Tony Award nominations.

Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, the influential fashion designer known for her lasting impact on women's fashion, passed away. Her innovative designs and unique approach to style continue to influence the fashion world.

On December 2, 1978, Coco Chanel's personal collection of clothes, costume jewellery, and accessories was auctioned off at Christie's, drawing a large audience who honored the late designer by wearing her creations.

On February 6, 1983, Karl Lagerfeld took on the role of shop manager at the House of Chanel.

In 1984, Karl Lagerfeld also took over the ready-to-wear design at Chanel, continuing to draw inspiration from Chanel's past designs and incorporating iconic elements like tweed fabrics and the 'CC' logo.

Karl Lagerfeld, in 1993, introduced men's T-shirts and briefs into his Chanel designs, showcasing his innovative approach and ability to push boundaries while still honoring Chanel's legacy.

12 years after Coco Chanel's death, in 1995, Karl Lagerfeld became the premier designer of the House of Chanel.

CHANEL celebrates its 100 years of creation, showcasing its enduring influence and innovation in the world of fashion.

The Chanel fashion empire, established by Coco Chanel, evolved into a family business, showcasing the enduring impact of her work on future generations.