Saturday, January 8, 2011

Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel


        Coco Chanel is a person who played a huge role in the fashion industry; her style was exotic and distinctive. She was a risk-taker, she never feared what others would think of her as long as she knew what she was doing was right.  Her unique approach to fashion made her one of the most praised fashion designers in the history of fashion.


         Coco was born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. After her mother’s death, Chanel was put into an orphanage where she was raised by nuns who taught her many skills including sewing, a skill that would lead her into her life’s work. At the age of eighteen Coco left the orphanage. She worked as a performer in clubs in Vichy and Moulins where she was called “Coco.” Around the age of 20, Chanel became involved with Etienne Balsan who offered to help her start a millinery business in Paris. She soon left him for one of his even wealthier friends, Arthur “Boy” Capel. Chanel opened her first shop in 1910 which only sold hats. After opening two more shops around the country, Coco began making clothes. In the 1920s, Chanel took her booming business to another level. She launched her first perfume, Chanel No. 5 and in 1925, she created the well-known Chanel suit with collarless jacket and well-fitted skirt. The idea of borrowing elements of men’s wear and creating pieces that was stylish yet comfortable during that time was groundbreaking. The international economic depression of the 1930s had affected her business severely, however it was the outbreak of World War II that gave Chanel no choice but to close her business. At the age of 70, Chanel made a dominant return to the fashion world. Coco Chanel died on January 10, 1971, at her apartment in the Hotel Ritz. Many crowded together at the Church of the Madeleine to say their goodbyes to the fashion icon. Coco created timeless designs that continue to be popular today. She became an admired style icon famous for her simple yet sophisticated outfits matched with great accessories.

            Coco struggled to reach her dreams. We could see from the beginning that she wasn’t afraid to be different. She believed in herself before anyone else believed in her. She had a conviction that what she was doing was right and was bold enough to take a step forward. What makes her so inspirational is that even after a long period of non-fulfillment she didn’t hesitate rise up again and follow her dreams.  Her life story is a valuable lesson that every human being must cherish; it is never too late to follow your dreams because when you lose hope, you lose your aspiration till you no longer have something to look forward to. Coco showed us the true meaning of endurance; to never lose hope, to have the courage to wait for something better. 








“In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different” –Coco Chanel



“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” –Coco Chanel



“Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.” –Coco Chanel








“Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door. “- Coco Chanel



“How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.” – Coco Chanel



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