
Gabrielle Chanel was born in 1883 in Saumur France. Nicknamed Coco, she gained notoriety when she opened a millinery Shop in 1912. Chanel fashions did not include corsets; instead she created comfortable clothing for women that were casual, yet kept the elegant look they desired. This made her a hit like never before seen. She soon rose to become one of the first female fashion designers, creating women's suits with trousers. She created accessories such as jewelry and hats as well to finish off the look of each outfit. It was not long after the start of the first store that Coco Chanel opened two more stores. She had the financial assistance of two of her men friends. The two friends, being of elite status, encouraged the women in society to visit Chanel shops. Curiously, it is the Chanel hats that gained her the most notoriety. By the 1920's, Coco Chanel fashion shops had gained considerable popularity and her fashions set the trends. Coco donned her own fashions, often dressing in trousers and a shirt. Perhaps the most famous design of Chanel that has withstood the test of time is the little black dress. In 1922, Coco Chanel introduced her line of perfume, Chanel no.5, and to date, it is the highest selling perfume on the market. 1924 brought monumental changes to the Chanel Company. Pierre Wertheimer bought almost three quarters of the Company, and to this day the family still controls it. It was rumored at the time That Coco and Pierre Wertheimer were lovers. There was never any proof that this was the case though. The fashions of Coco Chanel did not change very much from year to year; the idea of simple elegance has been the tradition of the Chanel Company from its inception over one hundred years ago. Coco Chanel was ostracized after World War II for having a highly publicized affair with a Nazi Soldier. It was not until 1954, when Coco Chanel made a comeback in the fashion industry and she was once again queen of fashion. The styles of Coco Chanel were always pleasing to women, but also to their husbands who paid the bill. Coco continued to design her lines of clothing until she died in 1971. Coco Chanel not only designed fashion for the elite, she was also a well respected designer of clothing for the theatre and movies. This is something that many people know nothing about. Her designs can be seen in almost every movie that Kathryn Hepburn starred in, and countless plays on Broadway.
Chanel
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Chanel 'Cotton Club' Quilted Pouchette
Chic, sophisticated Chanel handbag from the 'Cotton Club' collection. This small quilted black leather pouchette features the Chanel signature logo and braided chain and leather strap. Dimensions: 8"L x 2"W x 5"H; 6" drop handle.
PRICE: $399.00
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Chanel 'Cotton Club' Quilted Pouchette
Chic, sophisticated Chanel handbag from the 'Cotton Club' collection. This small quilted khaki leather pouchette features the Chanel signature logo and braided chain and leather strap. Dimensions: 8"L x 2"W x 5"H; 6" drop handle.
PRICE: $399.00
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Chanel 'Cotton Club' Quilted Tote
Chic, sophisticated and classic -- from the Chanel 'Cotton Club' collection. This quilted black leather tote features the Chanel signature logo on one side while a diagonal zipper decorates the other. Braided chain and leather straps. Zip top closure opens to burgundy fabric interior with two zip pockets, cell phone pocket and two slim pockets.
PRICE: $499.00
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Chanel 'Cotton Club' Quilted Tote
Chic, sophisticated and classic -- from the Chanel 'Cotton Club' collection. This quilted metallic bronze leather tote features the Chanel logo on one side and a diagonal zipper on the other. Braided chain-and-leather straps. Zip top opens to burgundy fabric interior with two zip pockets, cell phone slot and two slim pockets.
PRICE: $499.00
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Chanel 'Diamond Stitch' Classic Flap Bag
A bold CC logo in dark silver illuminates this petite, diamond-stitched black leather bag from Chanel. The flap top opens to a magnetic closure, roomy, black fabric-lined interior and zip pocket. A chic chain-and-leather strap tops the bag. Dimensions: 12"L x 5"W x 4"; 9" drop handle.
PRICE: $299.00
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Chanel 'Diamond Stitch' Large Shopper
Chanel always charms. Classic black leather is diamond stitched and embellished with the signature CC logo in dark silver. Two outside pockets and chic chain-and-leather handles complete the look. Zip top opens to a fabric lining and secure zip pocket. Dimensions: 13"L x 5"W x 9"H; 10" drop handle.
PRICE: $299.00
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Chanel 'Diamond Stitch' Small Shopper
Chanel always charms. Dark brown quilted leather with the signature logo in dark silver. Chain and leather handles. Zip top closure with two additional outside pockets. Inside you'll find tan fabric lining and a useful zippered pocket. Dimensions: 11"L x 6"W x 7"H; 9" drop handle.
PRICE: $499.00
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Chanel 'Diamond Stitch' Small Shopper
Chanel always charms. This diamond-stitch black leather bag features a bold CC logo in dark silver and two outside pockets, topped by chain-and-leather handles. Zip top opens to a black fabric lining and a secure zippered pocket. Dimensions: 11"L x 6"W x 7"H; 9" drop handle.
PRICE: $299.00
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