Growing up, this woman had been abandoned by her father, leaving her and her siblings to become orphans. Although she grew up very poor, she strove to make a name for herself and be somebody important in the world, and she has since become famous for her fragrances, signature handbags, and the modern breakthrough in women’s fashion associated with her, revolutionizing the world of fashion one piece of clothing at a time. She was the French fashion designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. Being filled with the “desire for independence and need to be different,” Chanel freed women from tight corsets and introduced them to new comfortable loose clothing.1
During the 1920’s, Chanel had become one of the most powerful designers, creating a variety of fashionable clothing worn by women, and even influencing the “flappers.”2 Prior to her “revolution in fashion,” the fashion industry had been ruled by men, and clothes were made from a male’s viewpoint for how women should dress. But she introduced an entirely different concept of women’s fashion to the world. In the years before 1919, fitted vibrant colored clothing was the signature look, where black or dark clothing were only worn at funerals and at times of mourning. She even began attending many high social functions wearing pants, making something that was never done before a new trend in women’s fashion.3 Her style was one of a kind. She designed her clothing from her own viewpoint, as a woman, wearing what she saw as most comfortable.
Her creations instantaneously became the uniform of the modern women. It all started with the explosion of a gas burner while getting ready for an event in 1926. She found herself troubled trying to get the water temperate enough to wash her face. Wearing a simple white dress, she tried to alter the gas flame when it exploded surprisingly. Her white dress was now fully coated with soot. The explosion resulted in the creation of the legendary “Little Black Dress.”4 The original little black dress was plain and simple. It was a long-sleeved black fitted, but also comfortable creped, dress.5 It was a tragedy that led to the innovation of a lifetime. Chanel had created the perfect dress, suitable for any occasion, elegant or casual. “It defined the essence of modern, liberated women and reflected a change.”6
When the famous actress Audrey Hepburn wore the dress in 1961, it brought more attraction to the style and simplicity of the Little Black Dress. It became more idolized and desired. The fame of the little black dress increased due to its exposure in Hepburn’s iconic movie, Breakfast at Tiffany’s. She portrayed a character named Holly Golightly.7 Chanel’s fashion was frequently displayed among the high social class. She dressed many famous individuals such as Elizabeth Taylor, Marilyn Monroe, Princess Diana, Madonna, and Jackie Kennedy.8
Through the years, the Little Black Dress became knows as the LBD. It came to be a necessity in every woman’s attire. It could be used for any type of occasion. Generations after generations, the dress has changed drastically. The LBD went from a fitted design to a more fashionable cocktail dress for special events. The LBD has become a trademark, displaying the transformation of fashion and dress since at least the late 1920’s. We are now in the twenty-first century; the little black dress remains a mainstay of the clothing industry and a must in the wardrobe of every woman. Even after four decades after her death, Chanel remains an icon. She played a very important role in the revolution of women’s fashion. Thanks to Chanel’s bold attitude and braveness, she broke the “rules” and transformed fashion.
- Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2004, s.v. “Coco Chanel.” ↵
- St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, April 2013, s.v. “Chanel, Coco,” by Richard Martin. ↵
- Encyclopedia of World Biography, 2004, s.v. “Coco Chanel.” ↵
- Isabella Alston and Kathryn Dixon, Coco Chanel (United States: Bellagio Press, 2014), 34. ↵
- Isabelle Fiemeyer, “Chanel the Enigma,” France Today Vol.32, No. 1 (2016): 83. ↵
- Deborah Felder, The 100 most influential women of all time: a ranking past and present (New Jersey: Citadel, 1996), 175. ↵
- Nancy Wingston, “It starts with a little black dress,” Toronto Star (2016). ↵
- Isabella Alston and Kathryn Dixon, Coco Chanel (United States: Bellagio Press, 2014), 90. ↵
166 comments
Deanna Lummus
I have never heard her story before. I assumed the designer was very wealthy growing up because of her clothing and different fashion pieces were always so classy looking. The name Chanel is still regarded in a very strict and respectful manner. I always know that if something is Coco Chanel that it will always be very flattering for women. I always wonder how women broke through sexist barriers in the work place and even fighting to build a career, this really shows how it is possible!
Jasmine Martinez
This was such a good read! I gained so much information that I never knew before I read this article. It was very interesting to read all about the life she lived and how she worked so hard to get where she did. The story of Coco Chanel Is an inspiring story for many. It just goes to show that we can all work for what we want.
Mariet Loredo
Great article! It really explains what Coco Chanel did to change the standard of how women dressed. It’s very interesting learning how the “little black dress came to be”. This iconic piece will be a part of everyone’s closet for many years to come. It’s amazing to see how Coco Chanel was one of the women who broke the norm on how women should dress. Seeing women stand up for what they think is right is always something I like to read about.
Edward Cerna
This was a really amazing article to read as I really enjoyed it. I like the way you introduced the article and I feel you had really done some good research. I like the way you put this article together and it is cool how someone changed the industry like “coco” Chanel did.
Eduardo Foster
What a great article! It is amazing how the little black dress change the woman fashion. By other part it is actually encouraging the story of Coco Chanel and how she got were she was by herself. It amazing how a she made such an important and luxurious brand from scratch. Great article and keep it up with the good work!
Manuel Aguilera
For being such a popular figure in today’s cultural standpoint, I am surprised I had not heard about the story of Chanel until now. Neither did I know that she was reared from a very troubled childhood and became such an important person through her own viewpoints in the fashion industry. I also was not aware that she single-handedly popularized a simple dress and made the fashion industry acknowledge the viewpoints of all women.
Erik Shannon
This was a very informative article. The author did a good job at writing this article and presenting the story. She started off very poor and ended up being a very popular brand in women’s clothing. I never knew how the “little black dress” became so popular and originated until reading this article. Overall, this is a very well written article.
Andrea Chavez
Although a very short article it contains just the right amount of information as would a long one. I like how it’s very concise; it gives the Coco’s information then introduces how the invention came to be and how has it transcended. It’s very important to note how woman started there liberation even in fashion senses. How the way women started to dress up made them look but most importantly made them feel. How taking control over the style of the cloths and the commodity it had made them change.
Soteria Banks
I love the movie breakfast at tiffany’s so this caught my eye when i saw the picture. i did not know about Chanel. however its crazy how men designed women clothing, like now and days how do you not become a feminist Jesus its like women never have any freedom these days we will always be under the glass ceiling, but I’m happy she broke barriers for women. it brings hope to me and other women that we can do it , if we just believe in our selves.
Christine Sackey
Coco Chanel made history with her signature little black dress. It is such an iconic thing that every women has in their closet. I find it cool that it was made accidentally. Some of the best things or ideas come from accidents or mistakes that people do. It is very inspirational to take whatever you have and turn it into something good. Her simple dress has been worn by many celebrities and is still thriving today. The little black dress was a wonderful design that can last for a long time.