The famous coco channel was born on August 19 1883 with the name Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. She was born in Saumur ,France. Her mother died when she was young. Coco’s father sent her to the orphanage. How heartbreaking is that? She was raised by 2 nuns. They taught her how to sew. That is something she would need later on! She had a Brief singing career. At the clubs she sang at people started calling her Coco.

Around the age of 20 Chanel started dating Etienne Balsan. He offered to help her start her business in Paris. Then she left him for his wealthier friend. Chanel opened her first store in 1910. One day she made a dress out of an old jersey on a chilly day. People asked where she got the dress. ” my fortune is built on that old jersey i put on” she once told author, Paul Morand.

In 1920 Coco launched her first perfume,Chanel No.5. ” perfume is the unseen unforgettable ultimate accessory of fashion” Coco Chanel explained.In 1923 the duke of Westminster proposed to Coco on a yacht ride. she said no. In 1925 she introduced  the Chanel suit with a collarless jacket and a well fitted skirt. Another 1920s revolutionary design is the little back dress. it used t be mourning wear but Coco showed its chic evening wear side.

The international economic depression of the 1930s had a bad impact on Chanel’s business. but when world war II came along she closed her shops. during the German occupation of France Coco was dating a German officer. she got special permission to stay in her room at the Ritz hotel. After the war ended she was interrogated because of her relashionship with a German officer.but she was not guilty. some people in France still thought she betrayed them she moved away to Switzerland.

When she was 70 she started designing again. Shoppers around the world loved her!there was even a broad way play about her. sadly  Chanel died in January  1971. Karl Lagerfeld took over the company.