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   CHANEL

About Coco Chanel:

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel stands out as one of the most revolutionary figures in fashion history. Her elegant simplicity and timeless allure have become staples of the modern women’s closet.

From her first millinery shop, opened in 1912, to the 1920s, Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel rose to become one of the premier fashion designers in Paris, France. Her first millinery shop set up in Paris in 1910 then expanding to Deauville and Biarritz. Her simple hats became very popular with women of society. She then expanded even further into couture, being one of the first French designers to work in Jersey.   Replacing the corset with comfort and casual elegance, her fashion themes included simple suits and dresses, women's trousers, costume jewelry, perfume and textiles.

By the 1920s, her fashion house had grown considerably, and her chemise set a fashion trend with its "little boy" look. Her relaxed fashions, short skirts, and casual look were in sharp contrast to the corset fashions popular in the previous decades. Chanel herself dressed in mannish clothes, and adapted these more comfortable fashions which other women also found liberating.

In 1922 Chanel introduced a perfume, Chanel No. 5, which became and remained popular, and even today and remains a profitable product of Chanel's company.

Coco Chanel introduced her signature cardigan jacket in 1925 and signature "little black dress" in 1926.

Most of her fashions had a staying power, and didn't change much from year to year -- or even generation to generation.

 In 1954, her natural, casual clothing including the Chanel suit once again caught the eye -- and purses -- of women. She introduced pea jackets and bell bottom pants for women.

Throughout her design career, she heralded new designs and revolutionized the fashion industry by going “back to basics,” incorporating elegance, class, and originality. Under her tight reign from 1909-1971, Coco Chanel held the title as ‘Chief Designer’ until her death on January 10, 1971. She was still working in 1971 when she died. Karl Lagerfeld has been chief designer of Chanel's fashion house since 1983. 

The Chanel label has become one of the most recognized names in luxury and haute couture fashion. 

                                                                                                                                                                              womenshistory.about.com/od/chanelcoco/a/coco_chanel.htm

   Chanel Specialties:

Accessories
Handbags
Jewelry
Watches 
   
Clothing 
Fur/Leather  
Women's Wear 

Shoes: Women  

Parfume  

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