Friday, November 30, 2012

Style Icon: Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel


One of the most admired and influential women in the world is undeniably Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel.  Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born on August 19, 1883 in Saumur, France to an unwed mother who worked as a laundry woman.  Gabrielle's father was a street vendor who sold work clothes and undergarments.  The year after Gabrielle was born her father and mother married and had five more children.  When Gabrielle's mother was thirty one she passed away.  Gabrielle's father then took her to a convent to be raised.  Gabrielle remained living a very frugal and strict convent life until she was eighteen years old.


Once Gabrielle was old enough to be out on her own she completely reinvented herself.
  



Coco Chanel rose above her humble beginnings and became a fasion designer of clothes, jewelry and accessories.  Chanel's style was simple elegance.






Coco Chanel's clothing designs were always feminine.  Every style was tailored to the female form and had soft lines.  While Chanel was a very astute and serious business woman, she never tried to be a man.  Chanel reveled in her femininity and saw it as a strength. 







 Three jersey outfits designed by Chanel for March 1917.



The Chanel signature look was soft, simple clothing design.  Any fanciness came from the accessories that you wear.

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Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel left us on January 10, 1971 at the age of 87.  Right up until the very end of her life on earth Coco Chanel was the epitome of classic, elegant style and grace.






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