The Life and Legacy of Coco Chanel

Born in 1883, Gabrielle Chanel was raised in an orphanage, where she learned to sew. A skill that propelled her future fashion career. Her nickname, 'Coco,' emerged from her brief singing stint.

Coco Chanel revolutionized women's fashion in the 1920s by designing comfortable, simplistic yet elegant styles. She liberated women from corsets, popularizing sporty, casual chic as the feminine standard.

In 1921, Chanel launched her first perfume, Chanel No. 5, which remains iconic. Uniquely, it was the first to bear a designer's name and features over 80 scents, a complex blend for that era.

During WWII, Chanel's affair with a German officer led to controversy. Allegations of her acting as a spy surfaced, but were never proven, marring her reputation amidst her fashion dominance.

Chanel passed away in 1971, but her brand lives on, epitomizing luxury and style. Her personal life and work continue to influence fashion and are subjects of numerous books and films.

In 1954, at age 71, Chanel made a triumphant return to fashion, defying critics and reviving her brand after a 15-year hiatus.