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
Veronica Spryszynski
I love the line of coco Chanel. Ive always thought that the phrase little black dress was just a saying that started a while back, I had no clue it originated with Chanel. That is great that Chanel had pushed herself to become such an idol especially when it is tough to start poor and abandoned. The black dress fashion will sure be around for many years more.
Sarah Mares
This article was very interesting to read. At first glance, I had chosen to read and comment on this article because Coco Chanel was someone who sounded familiar and I was curious as to how the little black dress originated. After reading this article, I thought the discovery of the little black dress is so interesting and out of the blue. I can honestly say I would’ve never thought that that’s how something so widely renowned in fashion as the little black dress, would arise from such an odd situation as a gas burner explosion. And from this, Chanel was able to create a phenomenal piece that would come to be insanely popular in the fashion world and allow her to further her designing career towards more pieces than clothing, with her becoming one of the world’s most respected and loved fashion designers.
Christine Sackey
I still hear about the Little Black Dress but I did not know the story behind it. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s life is defiantly a rag to riches story. I think that it was great that she used the pain of not having a father to make something out of herself. It is funny that she stumbled upon the idea by accident. I do admire how she liked being different and going with the trends. Still to this day, the LBD can be probably found in every women’s closet.
Abigale Carney
Very interesting article! I have always enjoyed reading the rags to riches stories. I would have never guessed how Coco Chanel grew up. This article makes me respect Chanel so much more because she had to work so hard to get where she is today. Stories of successful people like Chanel working from the bottom up are so inspiring. I am so glad you wrote about this topic, it was great!
Justin Garcia
This was a very interesting article. I knew next to nothing about Gabrielle Chanel and her contributions to the fashion industry. The fact that she helped to redefine women’s clothing is amazing. Her humble beginnings also show that anyone can achieve greatness with just hard work and dedication. Overall this was a very well written article.
Clarissa Bustamante
This was such an interesting article and it was also a very inspirational one as well. How was grew up and started poor and then she became a well known clothing brand. It is amazing how someone with not much to start off with can grow up and change the fashion world in many ways. It is interesting to read about where the saying “little black dress” came from. This article was great at giving detail and insight of where she grew up and how she became successful.
Gabriela Serrato
I never knew the background of this monumental brand. It is of course another inspiring story of a brave and creative woman. I find it admirable that Gabrielle did not shy away from creating her brand, even in a male dominated fashion world. I find it almost laughable that men were designing women’s clothes at this time to fit the image of what they believed a woman should wear. It definitely shows how times have changes and how much women have overcome a society that tells them how to be. This brand most likely inspired so many other designers as well as young women to find a passion for fashion, which I think is incredible. It is an art, and I respect Gabrielle for setting out to do what she loved and the love that all still have for her today.
Alexis Renteria
Very well written and interesting article. I think its amazing how Coco was able to change the way women dressed back in the day and it makes me wonder if fashion today would be entirely different if it wasn’t for Coco’s determination to change the fashion industry. I also think its amazing how she was able to change the fashion industry during her time period when men were the ones to rule fashion and clothing industries. Overall, Gabrielle Chanel is a role model that people can look up to who showed determination and perseverance until she was able to accomplish what she wanted to.
Valeria Hernandez
The article provides readers with the history of “The Little Black Dress,” Brianda Gomez creates an excellent story arc that explains the history of the fashion trend and the designer Coco Channel. I enjoyed reading this article because of course I am interested in clothes but it is also nice to learn the history of one of the most famous and iconic figures of the fashion industry. A great piece of social history and women history.
Rebekah Esquivel
I have heard the term “Little Black Dress” but I never knew where it actually came from! I personally know a little black dress is the perfect outfit for any occasion. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel really changed fashion for women. Without her, women might still be dressing in the view of what a man believes we should wear. Although the little black dress was an accident on Chanel’s part it was a hit with every women and to this day I am sure many women would love to thank Chanel for her boldness and creativity.