Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.
Who is an author? Who is Coco Chanel?
Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel also known as Coco Chanel was born on August 19, 1883 in Saumur, France. She was the second daughter of Albert Chanerl and Jeane Devolle. Her mother died in 1895. It was then that her father abandoned the children, who were sent to an orphanage in Aubazine. There, Coco learned the basics of sewing, which she later perfected with her aunt.
She took the pseudonym “Coco” between 1905 and 1908, when she sang in the cafés of Moulins and Vichy. She did better with dancing than with singing.
In 1913, she went to Paris and set up her first boutique for women’s clothing and hats. Two years later she introduced a novelty – comfortable clothing for work. In 1918, she designed jersey costumes that gave her popularity. In 1919, she established a fashion house on Rue Cambon. She named it Chanel.
In 1921, she launched Chanel No. 5 perfume, which is still considered an icon of haute couture.
In 1940, Coco Chanel took up residence at the Ritz Hotel. She was accompanied by her lover, Hans Günther von Dincklage, and she preached anti-Semitic views. After the war she was to be arrested, but Churchill’s intercession saved her. She emigrated to Switzerland. She returned to France in 1954.
She died on January 10, 1971. The Chanel fashion house is still in operation.
Coco Chanel is one of the most famous fashion designers in the world. Her creations include the Little Black Dress, sets consisting of a collarless jacket and a knee-length skirt, turtlenecks and bell-bottomed pants. She also promoted the ponytail hairstyle and specific plastic jewellery and long strings of pearls. All of these items are still considered stylish and luxurious.
