Coming From A Poor Family, See Coco Chanel's Struggles In The Fashion World

Coco Chanel illustration (www.ritzparis.com)

JAKARTA - Talking about the Chanel brand, it cannot be separated from its founder, Coco Chanel. This famous fashion designer is also famous for the quote "A girl should be two things: Classy and fabulous". So, who is Coco Chanel and how is her struggle to establish a luxury brand that has many enthusiasts from all over the world?

Coming from a poor family

This woman with the real name Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born in Saumur France on August 19, 1883. Not from a wealthy family, Coco was even born into a poor family, her family was just a vegetable seller in the market.

When Coco was 6 years old, her mother died and her father left her family. Coco was also accommodated at an orphanage. However, living in the orphanage seems to be the beginning of Coco's success. She created clothes, hats, and lots of products to sell. Every design she creates prioritizes freedom to support women in their daily activities.

Coco Chanel's journey in the world of fashion

Unexpectedly, Coco's design sold well in the market. Coco also continues to be creative by designing clothes with additional lace, pearls, and other accessories. Her business grew and her hat designs became a trend all over the world. In 1914, she opened a boutique in Deauville, France.

In 1920, Chanel issued a little black dress, which is a simple black dress with a midi cut and long sleeves. Chanel also popularized the color black in the world of fashion, so that it is no longer synonymous with mourning clothes. In fact, Vogue magazine in 1926 mentioned the black dress as a uniform for modern women.

Then, in 1921, Chanel released her first perfume, namely Chanel No. 5. For Coco, the number 5 was her lucky number after being told by an astrologer. At the launch of the perfume, it also introduced the Chanel logo, which is the letter C intertwining with Coco's own design.

It did not stop there, Coco continued to create innovations for her brand. In 1950, Chanel popularized trousers for women. At that time, it was uncommon for women to wear pants. But Coco's attempt to make this breakthrough was successful on the grounds that wearing pants would bring comfort.

Personal life

During her life, Coco had many relationships with men, but she never married. Some of the men who had been close to Coco included the artist Pablo Picasso, the Duke of Westminster, the grandson of the leader of the Russian Empire (Tsarist Russia), to the composer Igor Stravinsky.

For 34 years, Coco lived at the Hotel Ritz, Place Vendome, Paris. In fact, she also died in the suite room at the age of 71 years. Then, after the fashion designer's legacy, the hotel named the room the Coco Chanel suite.