Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel 1883 – 1971

• Coco’s mother died when she was young, so her father put her in an orphanage, where she learned to sew

• She slowly began creating her empire after she opened a millinery store (a store that specializes in women’s hats)

• By the late 1920’s she had 3,500 employees, a couture house, textile business, perfume laboratories, and a costume jewelry workshop

• Women liked her clothing because her designs emphasized simplicity and comfort in a time of corsets

• A large amount of her finances came from the success of her perfume (Chanel No. 5)

• Coco Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion

• Created women’s trousers
• Created women’s suits
• Created the “Little Black Dress”
• Created one of the first designer perfumes
• Popularized costume jewelry
• Didn’t include corsets in her designs

This video really showcases what Coco Chanel did in the world of fashion.

• Coco’s influence on women’s fashion is still felt today and her classic and timeless designs are still worn