I while ago read a biography of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel. It was a fascinating read. At times I found myself surprised by certain elements of her personality, for example her pride and seeming lack of emotion. But for the most part I found her ceaseless determination and enduring belief in herself to be very inspirational. Here are 6 things I’ve learned from Gabrielle Chanel.
The Iconic Gabrielle Chanel (image disclaimer*)
- Don’t let your past stop you from being who you want to be. Chanel came from a very poor family and her mother passed away when she was quite young, yet her complicated family life and difficult childhood didn’t stop her from pursuing and achieving her goals.
- Defy convention. Chanel worn jodhpurs so she could horse ride astride when convention demanded that women were not to wear pants, and must only ride side saddle. She worn simple headbands of her own design in place of elaborate headpieces that were not to here taste. She knew what she liked and didn’t let anyone tell her what she should or shouldn’t wear.
- Try something new. Chanel started making dresses out of jersey, a machine-made knit, which up until that point had only been used for underwear (usually men’s). Chanel wanted women to be comfortable, to be able to move, to be able to be independent. Clearly she was onto something as knits are now considered a wardrobe staple.
- Consider comfort. Now not all of my sartorial choices are based on comfort (high heels, anyone?) But when designing clothes I do always consider how comfortable the design will be. Is it reasonably practical? Does it allow for freedom of movement? One of the motivations behind Chanel’s decision to use jersey was to make women more comfortable. She wanted to liberate women from the constraints of corsets, long skirts and other garments that meant women couldn’t even get dressed unaided.
- Don’t underestimate the value of simple styling. Chanel used simple, elegant accessories to turn very simple outfits into something a bit more special. A brooch, a strand of pearls or a chiffon scarf can transform an outfit from basic to chic. Accessories should enhance an outfit, not compete with it.
- Work hard and don’t give up. Chanel didn’t become a highly respected fashion designer and icon by giving up. She worked tirelessly, first as a milliner before crossing over into women’s wear. Despite numerous challenges, heartbreaks, setbacks and two World Wars, Chanel never gave up. Her success as a designer was a testament as much to her fierce determination and unwillingness to give up as it is to her impeccable taste
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Nice post
I love Coco Chanel, who doesn’!?
Have you seen the movie ‘Coco avant Chanel’? Maybe a little bit overdone but it showed how Modemoiselle Chanel’s taste, preferences and choices developped.
For a long time I dressed for appearence, wearing high hills, tight garments etc. Getting older I put confort at the first place, and this doesn’t mean that I am not elegant! I sew most of what I wear and I love it.
Yes, I have seen Coco avant Chanel. I really loved it!
She’s always been my favourite because of her simple yet elegant designs, and her inherent determination. What a role model.
Thanks for this post.
Joy
Love #5 simple styling and a good fit take you a LONG way! Love Coco!
Hi there! I’m new to your blog, but am glad that I came across it! Congrats on your win in this week’s IFB Links a la Mode! I am a HUGE advocate for #5, here – thank you for the inspiration! xx
-Hallie
http://www.coralsandcognacs.com
Great post!
Best, Jenny
http://www.dresscodehighfashion.com/
Amen to #4 and #5!
Congratulations on your selection to the IFB Links a la Mode this week. Regarding the image, it’s by Boris Lipnitzki, taken, I believe, in 1936. It is the cover image of the book Chanel and Her World, by Edmonde Charles-Roux, and it is a very famous photograph.
Thanks for the information regarding the image! I’ve seen it in so many places but never could find out where it originated from.
Coco’s best advice: Get dressed, accessorize and, before walking out the door, take off the last accessory you put on. Less is always more… I still haven’t learned that lesson. Ha!
Best,
Lynsey Michelle
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LAW OF FASHION
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Yes, that’s a great piece of advice. It’s all too easy to get carried away with lots of gorgeous accessories!
Oh I’ve been meaning to read her bio for aaages, I must do so soon! This is a great post, everything you point out is so true and would resonate with anyone looking to achieve their goals in life. Thanks for sharing lovely x
http://modernlegacy.blogspot.com
Oh do read it! I found it to be a very inspiring book.
Thank you for your inspirational article. It is easy to get discouraged sometimes and helpful to remember those who kept at it!
I agree! I find that reading about people who have worked so hard to achieve their goals (often against the odds), really motivates and inspires me to keep working on my own goals.