Fact 1: Chanel No.5's Iconic Name and Origin
Chanel No. 5, the iconic perfume, got its name simply because it was the fifth sample presented to Coco Chanel by perfumer Ernest Beaux. The perfume debuted in 1921 and quickly rose to fame for its unique, complex scent that ushered in a new era of perfumery, shifting away from the singular floral fragrances of the time.
Fact 2: The Origin of the Famed Interwoven 'CC'
The interlocking CC logo emblematic of Chanel's trademark was inspired by the stained glass windows of the Aubazine Chapel, where Gabrielle Chanel (Coco) spent her childhood years. Today, this emblem is recognized worldwide as a symbol of luxury and sophistication.
Fact 3: Revolutionary Contribution to Women's Clothing
Coco Chanel is credited with popularizing casual and comfortable clothing for women. Her first boutique, opened in Deauville in 1913, sold relaxed fit, breathable garments made from jersey fabric – a big revolution at a time when women wore corsets and overly decorative clothes.
Fact 4: Chanel and the 'Little Black Dress'
Chanel was the designer behind the concept of the 'Little Black Dress', a staple in every woman's wardrobe. The first model appeared in Vogue in 1926, and since then, it has remained a symbol of simplicity and elegance.
Fact 5: Chanel and Sportswear
Contrary to popular belief, Chanel's first line of clothing actually catered to sports and leisure-wear. When the first boutique opened in Deauville, it provided clothing for sports like golf and tennis, as well as sailing.
Fact 6: An Exotic Signature Detail
Chanel walked to the beat of her own drum, even in the subtleties of her fashion designs. One such unique detail featured in many Chanel designs is the use of Camellia flowers, which are devoid of scent. Their scentlessness appealed to Coco as it didn’t interfere with the smell of her perfumes.
Fact 7: WWII and Chanel
During World War II, the Chanel fashion house stopped operations. Coco Chanel spent these years at the Ritz Paris, secluded from the fashion world. It was only in 1954 at the age of 71, Coco decided to make a comeback and relaunched her fashion house.
Fact 8: A Private Company
Despite its worldwide fame and success, Chanel remains a privately held company. Its owners, Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer, are descendants of Pierre Wertheimer, Coco Chanel's early business partner.
Fact 9: Innovators of Quilted Bags
Chanel introduced the first quilted purse in February 1955, thus creating an everlasting trend. This design was inspired by jockey's jackets as Coco was known for her love and passion for horse riding.
Fact 10: First Luxury Brand to Experiment with Pop-ups
In 2008, Chanel was the first luxury brand to experiment with pop-up shops. They opened a temporary store in the fashionable East Hampton area dedicated solely to selling their coveted luxury sport line.
Fact 11: The Infamous Chanel Suit
In 1954, Chanel revolutionized women's office wear with the introduction of the Chanel suit. This iconic two-piece, tailored suit was designed to be practical yet elegant, embodying the essence of power dressing for women.
Fact 12: Fashionable Inclusion
Chanel was the first high-fashion brand to hire a transgender model. In 2018, Teddy Quinlivan was chosen as the face of Chanel Beauty, marking a substantial step toward inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry.
Fact 13: The Luxury Brand of choice for many First Ladies
Chanel has been the brand of choice for several American First Ladies, including Jackie Kennedy who famously wore a pink Chanel suit on the day President Kennedy was assassinated, and Hillary Clinton, who often favored the brand's classic suits.
Fact 14: First Perfume to Introduce a Men's Scent
While Chanel No. 5 is famous worldwide, Chanel was also the first perfume house to launch a fragrance designed specifically for men. Launched in 1955, 'Pour Monsieur' was a pioneer in the world of men's fragrance.
Fact 15: Most Expensive Handbag
Chanel holds the record for creating the most expensive bag in the world. The "Diamond Forever" classic bag, priced at a staggering $261,000, is embellished with 334 diamonds, totaling 3.56 carats and 18-carat white gold hardware.
Fact 16: The Red Lipstick Tradition
Coco Chanel once stated that "If you're sad, add more lipstick and attack." Indeed, the brand is known for its various red lipsticks, a signature of Coco herself, who believed that women "wearing red lipstick indicates that men are admiring you."
Fact 17: The Young Creative Director
After Coco Chanel's death, the brand struggled to maintain its high position in the fashion industry. It was not until the appointment of creative director Karl Lagerfeld in 1983 that Chanel resurged in popularity. Lagerfeld, then in his late forties, brought innovative ideas, preserving the classic Chanel look while adapting to modern trends.
Fact 18: Chanel's Timeless Simplicity
Coco Chanel once said, "Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury." Chanel has always stressed the importance of simplicity, comfort, and elegance over extravagance, which has helped build its timeless appeal across the generations.
Fact 19: Creation of Costume Jewelry
Chanel was also responsible for introducing high-quality costume jewelry to the fashion accessory market. Disregarding the common belief that jewelry must use precious stones, Chanel popularized bold cuff bracelets, long-strand necklaces of glass pearls, and massive charm bracelets.
Fact 20: An Iconic Store Design
The Chanel store at 31 Rue Cambon in Paris is iconic for many reasons, but notably for its mirrored staircase. It was said that Coco would sit on the fifth step, out of sight, to watch people's reactions to her fashion shows reflected in the mirrors.