Stolen sketches, a borrowed logo and the legend of the little black dress: to whom Coco Chanel owes her success

Exactly 139 years ago, on August 19, 1883, one of the most influential women of the 20th century was born, who made a great contribution to the fashion industry and revolutionized the women’s wardrobe. We’re sure you’ve guessed we’re talking about Gabrielle Chanel, as girls around the world are starting to wear vests, tweed suits, knitwear and even pants. And that despite the fact that she could not draw and never sketch (at least they did not survive), Chanel had an extraordinary sense of style and was not afraid to experiment. At least remember that she was one of the first to come up with the idea of ​​borrowing clothes from her boyfriend’s closet.

There are many legends and legends about the life of the legendary lady. Chanel’s contemporaries often spoke of her complex character and difficult temperament, accusing her of collaborating with the Nazis and even stealing other people’s sketches. Some even believed that she was more of a brilliant stylist and talented businesswoman than a designer. But the fact is – an uneducated and vulgar peasant girl managed to assemble an entire empire that even now successfully exists.

Today we’re going to tell you a few facts from Coco Chanel’s biography that might not surprise you, but will give you a fresh look at the legendary brand.

The great legend of the little black dress

One of the most popular things with the prefix is ​​considered a little black dress, the creation of which is attributed to Coco Chanel. But is it really so? In 1926, the designer really introduced the world to the laconic crepe de chine suit (a type of silk fabric) that was skillfully brought to life with geometric pleats. However, Chanel was far from the first. Various variations of the little black dress were also presented by other designers of that era: from Jean Patou and Madeleine Vionnet to Jeanne Lanvin.

Chanel saw all this perfectly and took note of the successful options for creating something of her own. And, of course, let’s not forget that the designer grew up in an orphanage under the monastic order, and the uniform of all students is a black dress with a white collar and cuffs. Combining all of the above, Chanel came up with the perfect “formula” for the dress. Many modern experts and historians generally imply that Chanel did not create the dress herself, but simply created the legend about it.

Stolen bag sketches

It’s no secret that Chanel very often collaborates with representatives of the Russian intelligentsia. Perfumer Ernest Beaux offers the legendary Chanel No. He created 5 perfumes, Dmitry Pavlovich Romanov introduced important customers, Princess Maria Pavlovna attracted the attention of Russian embroiderers, and Count Sergei Kutuzov became the manager of the Chanel house. Chanel later admitted: “The Russians fascinated me. Their endless “all mine is yours” is simply intoxicating.

But there were also bad stories. Once, at a social reception, Koko met another noble immigrant, Iya de Ge (better known as Lady Abdi). The latter told him about the idea for the new tote bag and even showed him the sketches. Chanel immediately invited Lady Abdi to work as a designer in her fashion house. However, the cooperation did not last long. Mrs. Abdi soon learned that the sketches of the bags were used without her knowledge, and that ready-made options began to be sold in boutiques. Chanel coldly responded to all the allegations that the girl did not see a problem, because now Abdi works for her.

Iconic logo – stained glass window of the monastery

The Chanel brand logo is still considered one of the most recognizable logos in the world. There are many legends about the history of its appearance. Someone believes that she added the first letters of her name and surname (Coco Chanel), others say that she knitted the monogram Chanel and Capel together, dedicating it to her beloved Boy Capel. And yet others claim to have often seen the logo on the stained glass windows of the Château de Crémat castle. There is another version that refers us to Koko’s childhood spent in an orphanage in a convent in Aubazine. Every day the girls were sent to the church to pray, and it was there that Chanel saw the interlocking patterns for the first time.

The famous pearl thread comes from Russia

In 1920, a new man appeared in the life of Coco Chanel – Prince Dmitry Pavlovich Romanov. It is he who will give a long string of pearls that will start the designer’s great love for jewelry made of this material. In most archive photos, Chanel can be seen wearing layered pearl necklaces. He complemented them with modest dresses, tweed suits, and even suggested that the whole world wear jewellery.