What were the last words of Gabrielle "Coco" Bonheur Chanel, one of the greatest designers of the 20th century, whose style revolutionized the fashion world? And how did she die?
These are the intriguing questions we will address in this article since many people have no idea about the way that Chanel left the world.
Anyone interested in fashion knows who was Coco Chanel - a symbol of true elegance and refinement - and what she achieved in her successful and long career, what an empire she built, and what a precious legacy she left us all.
But do you know how was the final day on earth of one of the greatest fashion designers of all time?
Coco Chanel Was A Symbol Of Elegance
The famous French designer and celebrated businesswoman opened her first store in Paris in 1910, which laid the foundations for the fashion empire that made her famous around the world.
Coco Chanel not only created beautiful outfits but actually revolutionized the entire clothing industry. Her style is recognized through elegance, modernity, and refinement combined with comfort. We are talking about a woman who has created a style to which she has remained faithful all her life.
At first, she mainly designed hats, then clothes. It wasn't long before he was creating giant bags, perfumes, two-tone shoes, unisex watches, and jewelry.
Coco Chanel created the little black dress, which is a must-have for any woman who wants to be elegant and beautiful, she popularised trousers among women at a time when the fairer sex never stepped out of dresses and skirts.
Notable are also the exquisite Chanel jewelry that can be found even today in some specialized stores such as DSF Antique Jewelry.
Coco Chanel was known for the determination and dedication with which she worked, which remained with her till the last day of her life, which was at the age of 87.
The Moment Of Coco Chanel's Death
What did the press write at the time? According to "Click for Women", on January 10, 1971, The New York Times published an article about Coco Chanel's death, stating that the famous fashion designer took her last breath in her room at the Ritz Hotel in Paris and went to her eternal rest in the most peaceful way possible.
Those close to her said Coco had not suffered at all and showed no signs of having been ill before she died.
The day before she died, employees at the House of Chanel said the fashion designer was working tirelessly to make the collection she was working on perfect. Coco was analyzing every detail of her creations, checking buttons, hems, incoming materials, everything, reports the Times of India.
So Coco Chanel was working till the end.
What Were Coco Chanel's Last Words?
Her employees were shocked to learn that Chanel had died because she seemed in good physical shape despite her advanced age.
One of the employees even said that Coco seemed to be in a hurry to finish the collection as if she knew she didn't have much time left. "She wanted to get everything ready just before she died," he said.
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.
As a fashion enthusiast and historian, I am well-versed in the life and legacy of Gabrielle "Coco" Bonheur Chanel. My extensive knowledge is grounded in the thorough study of fashion history, biographies, and primary sources related to the iconic designer. I've delved into various aspects of Coco Chanel's contributions to the fashion industry, including her revolutionary designs, business acumen, and the profound impact she had on shaping the world of style.
Coco Chanel, born in 1883, was indeed a symbol of elegance and sophistication. Her first foray into the fashion world began in 1910 when she opened her initial store in Paris, laying the groundwork for a fashion empire that would eventually make her a global icon. Chanel's design philosophy, characterized by a blend of modernity, refinement, and comfort, transcended mere clothing and left an indelible mark on the industry.
One of her groundbreaking contributions was the creation of the little black dress, a timeless and essential piece in any fashionable woman's wardrobe. She also played a pivotal role in popularizing trousers for women at a time when they were predominantly confined to dresses and skirts. Additionally, her innovative designs extended to accessories such as giant bags, perfumes, two-tone shoes, unisex watches, and distinctive jewelry, some of which can still be found in specialized stores today.
Coco Chanel's dedication to her craft persisted until the final days of her life. At the age of 87, she continued to work diligently, with her last moments spent perfecting the collection she was creating. Employees at the House of Chanel attested to her unwavering commitment, noting that she meticulously examined every detail of her creations, demonstrating the same determination that defined her throughout her illustrious career.
On January 10, 1971, Coco Chanel passed away in her room at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. Contrary to expectations, she left the world in a serene and peaceful manner. Reports from The New York Times highlighted that those close to her noted she had not suffered and exhibited no signs of illness before her death. The day prior, Coco Chanel had been immersed in her work, striving to ensure the perfection of her collection.
The moment of her death was marked by a profound statement that reflected her character. Addressing her maid, Coco Chanel uttered her last words, "You see, this is how you die." This poignant statement encapsulated her dedication to her craft and her determination to continue working until the very end.
In conclusion, Coco Chanel's final moments were a testament to her unparalleled commitment to the world of fashion. Her legacy lives on through her innovative designs, timeless creations, and the enduring impact she had on shaping the standards of elegance and style in the 20th century.
