Coco Chanel: The Life and Style of a Fashion Icon

Named by Time Magazine as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century, the name Coco Chanel is universally recognized along with her signature ‘double c' logo. The classic brand has made its mark in fashion history with its fashion pieces representing the classic woman.

Who is Coco Chanel?Born in France in 1883, Gabrielle Chanel soon became an orphan with what seemed to be a disappointing future. Every penny she made, she worked hard for. It was during her early twenties and her four year brief gig as a café and concert singer that she adopted the name Coco.

Coco Chanel got into fashion by becoming a milliner opening up her first hat shop in 1920. It was with a little help from one of her friends that she was able to launch Chanel No. 5, named after her favorite number, in 1922. This staple Chanel perfume still remains profitable decades after. Her other fragrances, Chance, Allure, and Coco, also seem to never go out of style.

In 1925, the signature Chanel cardigan emerged. We can give all thank Ms. Coco Chanel for the two piece sweater sets that seem to never go out of style yet emerge in different forms by different designers. In 1926 the "little black dress" was invented changing the fashion world forever. Not only was this color altered from being seen as a color of mourning, but this refreshingly new concept of having a central black piece that can be worn to many events on many occasions carries through into the 21st century.

World War I put a halt to many businesses including the fashion industry for a couple of years and it was during this time that Coco Chanel did her part serving briefly as a nurse to injured soldiers. It was not long after that Chanel would return to fashion with a strong comeback bringing couture designing pieces made up of natural and casual clothes along with accessories for women.