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2024-03-01 00:42:25

Coco Chanel

French fashion designer and founder of the Chanel brand
French fashion designer and founder of the Chanel brand

Coco Chanel, a French fashion designer, revolutionized Parisian haute couture with her classic innovations. From humble beginnings, she built a fashion empire.

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1883-08-19
Birth of Coco Chanel

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

1883-08-19
Birth of Coco Chanel

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.

1895-02
Death of Coco Chanel's Mother

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

1901-04-11
Enters Notre Dame finishing school

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

1904-04-11
Coco Chanel enters Notre Dame at the age of 18

At the age of 18, Coco Chanel entered Notre Dame where she enjoyed creating ragdolls from cloth scraps.

1905
Coco Chanel's First Love

In 1905, Coco Chanel experienced her first love.

1906
Her First Steps as a Designer

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.

1908
Her First Business

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.

1910
Opening of Chanel's First Boutique

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.

1913-04-11
Coco Chanel starts seamstressing job

In 1913, Coco Chanel began working as a seamstress at a tailoring store, where she found joy in observing customers' reactions and worked in the back of the store.

1914
Miscarriage and Adoption of André Palasse

In 1914, Coco Chanel experienced a miscarriage while pregnant with Boy's child, leading to her becoming sterile. Additionally, she adopted her sister Julia's son, André Palasse.

1915-07-11
Coco Chanel opens her first shop

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.

1918
Breakup with Boy and Post-World War I

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.

1919
Chanel's Success in Fashion Design

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.

1920
Coco Chanel's Friendship with Pablo Picasso

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

1921-04-11
Coco Chanel opens her second shop

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

1922
A New Love

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.

1923
Relationship with Hugh Grosvenor

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!'

1924
Opening of Chanel House in London

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

1926-04-11
Creation of Chanel No. 5 Perfume

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.

1928
Coco Chanel buys Villa La Pausa

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.

1929-08-17
Visit to Diaghilev on Deathbed

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

1931
Coco Chanel hired by MGM

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.

1932
Coco Chanel meets Paul Iribe

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.

1934
Coco Chanel rents an apartment at the Ritz hotel

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.

1935
Paul's Death

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

1939-04-12
Coco Chanel closes her shops during World War II

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.

1941
Meeting Hans Gunther Von Dincklage

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

1944
Arrest for Collaboration with the Nazis

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

1945
Move to Switzerland

In 1945, she left Paris and went to Switzerland.

1953
Chanel's Comeback Collection Debut

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.

1954
Return to Paris

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

1955-02
Creation of the Chanel 2.55 Handbag

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.

1963
Final Years

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

1969
Broadway Musical 'Coco'

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.

1971-01-10
Death of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel

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.

1978-12-02
Auction of Coco Chanel's personal collection at Christie's

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.

1983-02-06
Karl Lagerfeld becomes shop manager at the House of Chanel

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

1984
Karl Lagerfeld takes over Chanel ready-to-wear design

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.

1993
Incorporation of men's T-shirts and briefs into Chanel designs

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.

1995
Karl Lagerfeld becomes premier designer of the House of Chanel

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

2021
100th Anniversary of CHANEL

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

2022
CHANEL Selection Launch

The launch of the new CHANEL Selection featuring new arrivals, exclusives, gift sets, and services.

2024-01-19
Chanel Family Legacy

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

End of the Timeline
Coco Chanel

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Coco Chanel

French fashion designer and founder of the Chanel brand
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