Chanel Information Guide

Coco Chanel (1883–1971) was a pioneering French fashion designer known for revolutionizing women’s fashion by introducing a sleek, modern style that prioritized comfort, simplicity, and elegance. Founding the House of Chanel in 1910, she famously popularized the "little black dress," the Chanel No. 5 perfume, and her signature tweed suits. Chanel's designs challenged the restrictive norms of women’s fashion, replacing corsets with relaxed silhouettes and introducing menswear-inspired elements. Her influence extended beyond clothing to embody a timeless philosophy of elegance, leaving a lasting impact on fashion that endures today.

The iconic Chanel Reissue 2.55 bag, designed by Coco Chanel, revolutionized women's handbags by introducing a hands-free shoulder design. In an era when women’s handbags were typically hand-carried, Chanel sought to free up women's hands, creating the first shoulder bag in February 1955—now famously known as the Chanel Reissue 2.55. Influenced by her time in an orphanage, the bag features a burgundy interior reminiscent of her uniform and a flat metal chain-link strap inspired by the keychains used by the caretakers. The distinctive “Mademoiselle” turn-lock also alludes to Chanel’s choice to remain unmarried.

Chanel passed away in 1971 at the age of 87, leaving behind an enduring legacy but also a brand struggling to stay relevant. In the years following her death, the House of Chanel experienced a period of decline, undergoing several changes in creative direction without success until Karl Lagerfeld was appointed creative director in 1983. Lagerfeld went on to become the brand’s longest-serving and most influential designer, leading Chanel until his passing in 2019. Reflecting on Coco Chanel’s legacy, he said, “My job is not to do what she did, but what she would have done. The good thing about Chanel is it is an idea you can adapt to many things.”