Chanel

History -

The iconic house of Chanel was born in the year 1910. The brand was founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, in the heart of fashion.. Paris. Coco created a whole new world for women with her invention of “the little black dress”. Along with the little black dress, comfort also played a huge role in her designs, which was unheard of in the early 1900’s. After much success Chanel launched her iconic and beloved fragrance, Chanel No. 5, but was merely meant as a gift to her clients. In 1986 Chanel No. 5 arrived on the market to stay.

When Coco Chanel passed away in 1971 her assistants took over designing for the house until Karl Lagerfeld took over in 1983. Karl Lagerfeld says that Chanel’s simplicity was courageous for her era and that her success as a designer and as a woman is important”. He keeps the simplicity of her spirit while adding the feminine touch that she so loved.

Design Aesthetic -

Classic silhouettes and timeless elegance is the basis of the Chanel aesthetic. The pieces are simple, but do not lack beauty, poise or high fashion. Black and white are the Karl Lagerfeld holds strong to Coco’s look while still adding modern details of the era. In Karl’s latest collection, F/W 2014/2015, he mixes historical feeling shapes and almost costume-like structure and necklines. Dark colors and heavy tweed play against the weightless neck pieces made of almost translucent cremefabrics. Karl also mixes in Coco’s favorite combo of black and white with timeless pearls.

Works Cited:

"Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883–1971) and the House of Chanel." Accessed January 12, 2014. http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/hd/chnl/hd_chnl.htm.

"The Return of the Chanel Aesthetic." Queens of Vintage. Accessed January 12, 2015. http://www.queensofvintage.com/the-return-of-the-chanel-aesthetic/2/.

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