Chanel Facts
26 Things You Probably Never Knew About Chanel
There's no confusing those interlocking Cs; the iconic Chanel logo is one we've all seen (and craved). But before the brand became a lust-worthy label, it was just a modest millinery shop in Paris. Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, whom we know as Coco, changed the course of fashion history when she began her business in 1909. She first rose to popularity during the turn of the century, but shoppers still go wild for the quilted bags and two-toned shoes imagined so long ago.
So how did Chanel grow to become the powerhouse it is today? We looked back on the brand's longstanding history, from Coco's inception to Karl Lagerfeld's everlasting influence on the fashion house, to find out exactly what makes Chanel so special. Because as Coco once said: "I don't do fashion, I am fashion." Read on for a mini history lesson on the brand that transformed women's fashion forever.
1 Coco Chanel began as a milliner in 1909.
2 Coco Chanel opened her store on Rue Cambon in Paris in 1910.
3 The iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume was created in 1921.
4 Coco introduced tweed to women.
5 Chanel also created the little black dress as we know it.
6 And pioneered the women's suit.
7 She also popularized her eponymous two-toned shoes and gold-chained handbags.
8 And while the classic accessories will continue to rule . . .
9 During the 1930s, Chanel developed a rivalry with Italian designer Elsa Schiaparelli.
10 During World War II, Chanel closed her salon.
11 Karl Lagerfeld took over as chief designer in 1983.
12 Karl Lagerfeld's cat, Choupette, will get part of her owner's fortune.
13 And both Karl and Choupette have caught the eye of street artists.
14 Every year, Chanel's Métiers d'Art show features the work of ateliers.
15 The intricate show took place in Salzberg in 2014.
16 Texas in 2013.
17 Scotland in 2012, and more!
18 Karl was known for his spectacular shows.
19 Like this futuristic landscape during the Fall 2013 Haute Couture show.
20 And this under the seascape from the Fall 2012 show.
21 And even a Chanel-themed art museum for the Spring 2014 show.
22 Models walked around a giant globe for Fall 2013.
23 And even shopped at a Chanel grocery store for Fall 2014.
24 Yes, even the shopping cart was Chanel approved.
25 Hudson Kroenig is the mini model featured in many of Lagerfeld's shows.
26 Chanel named Virginie Viard its creative director.
