Top 10 amazing facts you didn't know about Coco Chanel (2024)

  1. She is known all around the world as Coco Chanel, but this wasn’t her original name. Born Gabrielle Chanel, she became “Coco” after being given the nickname by soldiers in the audience while singing on stage

2. Coco Chanel became very rich and famous during her life, but her childhood was a humble one. She was the daughter of a peasant and a street vendor and was born in a poorhouse.

3. After her mother died, she was sent to an orphanage in a convent, where she stayed until she was 18. It was here that Gabrielle learnt to embroider, iron and sew.

4. Coco Chanel started her fashion career by designing hats. With the help of one of her male admirers, she opened her first shop in Paris in 1913. As it became more popular, she started selling clothes as well.

5. In the 1920s she introduced the Little Black Dress to fashion. Intended to be affordable and easy-to-wear, Vogue rightly predicted that it would be worn around the world.

Top 10 amazing facts you didn't know about Coco Chanel (1)

6. Her influence wasn’t just on clothes. At night, she appeared at the opera house with short hair, inspiring many women to adopt the new “garçon” (boyish) style.

Top 10 amazing facts you didn't know about Coco Chanel (2)

7. In 1921, she created her first perfume, Chanel No 5. It was the first fragrance to bear the name of a designer, and was accompanied by the number five because Chanel had been told by a fortune teller that this was her lucky number.

8. Coco Chanel’s revolutionary designs were elegant but also comfortable and practical, as they freed women from wearing corsets. She also dared to shorten skirts so that ankles could be seen!

Top 10 amazing facts you didn't know about Coco Chanel (3)

9. In 1954, aged 71, Chanel reopened her fashion house after it had been closed for 15 years during the war. She told the actress Marlene Dietrich it was because she was “dying of boredom”.

10. On 10 January 1971, after returning from a walk with her friend Claude Baillen, Coco Chanel died on her bed in the Hotel Ritz. Her last words to her maid Celine were, “You see, this is how you die.”

Top 10 amazing facts you didn't know about Coco Chanel (4)

Isabel Sánchez Vegara is the author of Little People, Big Dreams: Coco Chanel published by Frances Lincoln Children’s Books. Buy it at the Guardian bookshop.

Top 10 amazing facts you didn't know about Coco Chanel (2024)

FAQs

Top 10 amazing facts you didn't know about Coco Chanel? ›

Before she passed away, Coco Chanel took a walk with one of her friends before retiring to her hotel room. "You see, this is how you die," Coco Chanel addressed her maid as her last line before closing her eyes forever. These were Coco Chanel's last words according to The Guardian.

What you didn't know about Coco Chanel? ›

The Best Beauty at the Met Gala 2023
  • She was routinely at odds with other fashion designers. ...
  • She began her career as a hatmaker. ...
  • She refused to dress royalty. ...
  • She preferred women in makeup. ...
  • She often made comments that raised eyebrows. ...
  • She was no fan of miniskirts. ...
  • Her favorite flower was the camellia.
Aug 19, 2019

What was Coco Chanel last words? ›

Before she passed away, Coco Chanel took a walk with one of her friends before retiring to her hotel room. "You see, this is how you die," Coco Chanel addressed her maid as her last line before closing her eyes forever. These were Coco Chanel's last words according to The Guardian.

What is a fact about Chanel? ›

Chanel was taught sewing at the convent of Aubazine and her first job was as a seamstress. Chanel created her own clothes and hats and wore them to social events. Demand increased for her hats and so in 1910, she opened her first store in Paris selling hats.

What mistakes did Coco Chanel make? ›

According to the late Chanel fashion director, Karl Lagerfeld, Coco Chanel made two mistakes in her lifetime: denim and mini skirts. She hated both and refused to have any in her collections.

What makes Coco Chanel unique? ›

What is Coco Chanel known for? Coco Chanel was a fashion designer known for such now-classic innovations as the woman's suit, the quilted purse, costume jewelry, and the “l*ttle black dress.” She also introduced the phenomenally successful perfume Chanel No. 5.

How did Coco Chanel make a difference? ›

A milliner by training, she moved beyond hats to become a rebel and a trailblazer of the fashion world, creating a new sartorial style that freed women from corsets and lace frills by offering them sailor shirts and wide-leg pants instead.

What does Coco mean in Coco Chanel? ›

In order to support herself financially, the future designer started working as a maid and singer in cabarets, where she became famous for singing the song “Qui qu'a vu Coco?” It was the origin of her nickname Coco, which also means “darling” in French. Photo: Getty Images.

Did Coco Chanel have any pets? ›

Fun fact: Many Cocos are named for fashion designer, Coco Chanel. Ms. Chanel, herself, had a Great Dane named Gigot.

What does Coco mean in Chanel? ›

Coco -- a nickname meaning "little pet" -- was raised in an orphanage, where she learned to sew. In 1910 she began selling hats from her own shop, and by the 1920s her fashion business had expanded to include a couture house, her own textile factory and a line of perfumes that included the famous No. 5.

What is a fun fact about the Chanel logo? ›

The Chanel logo was designed by Coco Chanel in 1925. It's composed of two bold interlaced “C”s that mirror each other. The simple, strong shapes of the letters evoke the authoritative elegance of simplicity based on Coco's philosophy of “less is more.”

Why is Chanel inspiring? ›

Chanel was the first designer to free women of corsets and to offer beautiful and comfortable clothing made from jersey in which one could play sports. Chanel adopted men's wear into new modern styles for women.

What is behind the Chanel logo? ›

According to the French marque, Chanel designed the interlocking Cs in 1925 as a homage to a monastery in Aubazine, France, where she spent most of her childhood. The French designer was said to have been inspired by the geometric patterns of stained glass windows in the chapel at the monastery.

Who did Chanel leave her money to? ›

His grandsons, brothers Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, control Chanel today. The brothers have a combined net worth of around $98 billion.

What was Coco Chanel's most famous product? ›

To start with, of course, one of the most iconic products to come from the Chanel workshop—the 2.55 Handbag. Launched in February 1955 (thus the name), Coco Chanel herself designed the 2.55 to bring together everything she wanted from a bag.

What did Coco Chanel say about fashion? ›

Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

What makes Coco Chanel a hero? ›

Chanel was a hero because she was able to reinvent the women's fashion industry and change the way women were expected to act in public. She introduced the art of elegance and simplicity, helping women feel confident in what they wore. She showed women an example of what it is to speak and act for yourself.

What is Chanel famous for? ›

Chanel is a privately held company owned by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer, grandsons of Pierre Wertheimer, who was an early business partner of Coco Chanel. Its products cover clothes, fragrances, handbags and watches. The brand is most famous for its “l*ttle black dress”, the Chanel No. 5 perfume and the Chanel Suit.

What did people think of Coco Chanel? ›

Chanel is considered an anti-Semite by the people of her inner circle. During World War II, historians say she leveraged her Nazi connections and tried to use Aryan laws to push Pierre Wertheimer and his brother—who were Jewish—out of her business.

What techniques did Coco Chanel use? ›

Shirring was a technique that Chanel used as early as the Teens, becoming one of her established and recognizable "tools of the trade" by the 1920s. Tulle and chiffon, like lace, possess inherent tensile qualities that enabled Chanel to assert the natural curvature of the body.

How did Chanel influence society? ›

She broke down sartorial codes by borrowing elements of men's fashion, such as pockets and tweed, and erased waistlines and bustlines to create androgynous silhouettes. Like any good trailblazer, Chanel's defiance of societal and gender norms early in her career befuddled some, and inspired others.

How has Coco Chanel logo evolved? ›

Since it was designed in 1925, the Coco Chanel logo has never been changed and remains the timeless design you see today. The logo font is simple and minimalist, which are reflections of the designs that are created by Chanel. The font is featured on almost every piece created by the fashion house.

What is the slang word for Coco? ›

Noun. coco f (plural cocos) (slang) cocaine.

What made Coco Chanel successful? ›

She came out with her well-known perfume called Chanel №5. From there, her business skyrocketed. To perfume, suits, dresses, skirts, etc. Coco Chanel's business turned into what is known as today.

What does Coco mean for a girl? ›

Popularity:3690. Origin:French. Meaning:Cocoa. Coco is a girl's name of French origin. This name is a reference to the chocolate bean, translating to “cocoa.” While popularized as a nickname, it has since cemented its place as a chic, timeless given name that is sure to set a fashionable impression.

Does Chanel still test on animals? ›

Are Chanel products cruelty-free? No, Chanel products are not cruelty-free. They may test on animals, either themselves, through their suppliers, or a third party.

What is the homeless dog on Coco? ›

One of the most charming (and funny) characters in Pixar's new movie “Coco” is Dante the dog, a stray who accompanies the main character, Miguel on his journey into the Land of the Dead. Dante is a Xolo dog—short for Xoloitzcuintli—the national dog of Mexico.

What animal represents Chanel? ›

Proud and passionate, Gabrielle Chanel fully embodied her astrological sign. Instinctive and daring, she took inspiration from it. The lion became her totem animal.

What does Coco Chanel say? ›

"A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous." "The best color in the whole world is the one that looks good on you." "Fashion changes, but style endures." "Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door."

What was Coco Chanel's favorite color? ›

Black was her favorite color

Although white, beige, gold and red are symbolic for Chanel, black was her favorite color. For Coco Chanel, black revealed a woman's radiance and accentuated the essential. She believed that there is nothing more classy than a little black dress.

Who is Coco Chanel model? ›

Chanel has named Ugandan-Canadian actress Whitney Peak as its first Black fragrance ambassador. The 20-year-old is the new face of Coco Mademoiselle, following on from previous ambassadors Kate Moss and Keira Knightley.

Why did Chanel choose black logo? ›

Karl Lagerfeld designed the iconic interlocking Cs, seen in the logo, after the demise of Coco Chanel as a tribute. Black was used only during unfortunate events, but Coco Chanel brought it back to fashion since it was her favorite color.

Why does Chanel use black for their logo? ›

The black colour of the logo represents the elegance and sophistication that Chanel stands for. The simplicity if the logo adds luxury and also adds to Chanel's philosophy of “less is more”. Since it was designed in 1925 it has never changed and has remained the timeless design that you can see today.

What is famous Chanel quotes? ›

Favourite Chanel Quotes
  • “How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.”
  • “Elegance is when the inside is as beautiful as the outside.”
  • “One cannot be forever innovating. ...
  • “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. ...
  • “The best things in life are free.
Nov 22, 2022

What is the two C's back to back? ›

Chanel is well known for its logo that features two “C's” back-to-back.

Why does Chanel have a flower? ›

THE FLOWER OF CHANEL

The story of CHANEL and the Camellia began in 1913, the day Mademoiselle pinned one of the white blooms to her belt. The flower's simplicity, shape, purity and vitality (it's not afraid to blossom in winter) seduced her. She made the Camellia more than her favorite flower—she made it a symbol.

Did Chanel apologize? ›

Chanel apologizes after $1,000 advent calendar mocked on social media.

Who was the face of Chanel at 13? ›

Kimora Lee Simmons-At the tender age of 13, Simmons was signed by Karl Lagerfeld at Chanel, who regarded her as the "Face of the 21st Century." Brands like Fendi, Valentino, and Yves Saint Laurent also took notice.

Who did Chanel love? ›

Arthur Edward Capel CBE (December 1881 – 22 December 1919), known as Boy Capel, was an English polo player, possibly best-remembered for being a lover and muse of fashion designer Coco Chanel.

What trends did Coco Chanel start in? ›

Elegance, Style, and Simplicity

Coco Chanel built her wardrobe on a few simple principles: black and white garments, simple and elegant dresses, fabulous shoes, and an overall polished look. She encouraged women to be stylish and take care of themselves but never to sacrifice comfort.

What was Coco Chanel's Favourite animal? ›

“I was born under the sign of Leo,” said Gabrielle Chanel. Symbolizing strength, the lion has always metaphorically paved Gabrielle's journey forward in life and every time the designer would return to Venice, she used to visit her favorite animal live.

What is Coco Chanel's most expensive item? ›

Chanel Diamond Forever – $261,000

At $261,000, Chanel's Diamond Forever is the most expensive bag the company has ever created and sold. As the name suggests, the Diamond Forever is studded with diamonds – 334 pieces that weigh a total of 3.56 carats, encrusted over fine alligator skin.

What are 5 famous quotes? ›

Famous quotes in English
QuoteWhoLanguage
That's one small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind.Neil ArmstrongEnglish
The love of money is the root of all evil.the BibleGreek
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.Franklin D. RooseveltEnglish
The truth will set you free.the BibleGreek
54 more rows

What did Coco Chanel say about little black dress? ›

Chanel's reasons for preferring the elegance of black can be found in her quote: “Nothing is more difficult to make than a little black dress.

What celebrities wear Coco Chanel? ›

These Are the Best Celebrity Chanel Outfits of the Past 15 Years
  • Rihanna, 2014. Moraes Barros Filho/WireImage. ...
  • Olivia Rodrigo, 2021. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images. ...
  • Dakota Johnson, 2015. FilmMagic. ...
  • Margot Robbie, 2021. Rodin Eckenroth/WireImage. ...
  • Kate Bosworth, 2008. ...
  • Jennifer Lopez, 2018. ...
  • Lily-Rose Depp, 2020. ...
  • Julianne Moore, 2014.
Jun 17, 2022

Why is Coco Chanel No 5 so popular? ›

So why exactly is this fragrance so famous? Chanel No. 5 was the world's first abstract fragrance, which incorporated more than 80 ingredients in a complex, multi-layered formulation process that uses aldehydes to heighten the scents and give an airy nature to the floral notes.

Why did Coco Chanel call herself Coco? ›

In order to support herself financially, the future designer started working as a maid and singer in cabarets, where she became famous for singing the song “Qui qu'a vu Coco?” It was the origin of her nickname Coco, which also means “darling” in French.

What happened with Coco Chanel? ›

Coco Chanel died of a heart attack on January 10, 1971 in the Hotel Ritz in Paris. She was 87 years old.

Why is Chanel Coco so expensive? ›

The brand's rich history and heritage is one of the reasons why its bags are so expensive. They manufacture high-quality products made from high quality materials. Their bags have a high resale value which encourages people to buy more and encourages Chanel to charge even more for their bags.

What did Marilyn Monroe say about Chanel No. 5? ›

The actress famously said in an interview in 1952 that she wore "five drops of Chanel No. 5" and nothing else in bed. "I don't want to say nude," she said, "but it's the truth."

What does Chanel smell like? ›

The Eau de Parfum draws inspiration from the original Parfum. This floral bouquet, composed around May rose and jasmine, features bright citrus top notes. Aldehydes create a unique presence, while the smooth touch of bourbon vanilla yields an incredibly sensual sillage.

What does Coco logo mean? ›

The iconic Chanel logo was created at the beginning during the origins of the fashion house as a reflection of Coco Chanel's principles, namely, comfort, geometry, and clean lines. The symbol has intertwining Cs that stand for “Coco Chanel” while enclosed in a thin circular frame.

What is Coco Chanel famous for saying? ›

"In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different."

What style is Coco Chanel known for? ›

Chanel's uncluttered styles, with their boxy lines and shortened skirts, allowed women to leave their corsets behind and freed them for the practical activities made necessary by the war. Elements of these early designs became hallmarks of the Chanel look (1975.7; 1984.28a–c; 1976.29.

Who is running Coco Chanel now? ›

Virginie Viard

Why do people love Chanel? ›

Her upbringing, taste and legacy are all part of why Chanel has maintained its popularity for so many years. Coco Chanel was brought up in a poverty stricken household, until the age of 12 when she became an orphan. Her mother died and her father abandoned the family.

Which is the most expensive Chanel perfume? ›

Exclusively made to order, the Parfum Grand Extrait is the rarest form of iconic House fragrances. The most precious expression of haute parfumerie, each Grand Extrait is presented in a majestic faceted glass bottle at a dazzling scale. Like a monumental diamond.

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