The iconic name of Coco Chanel is often affiliated with the brand name that is financially unachievable for the majority of us. However, when we see the glamour behind her remarkable designs, we hardly ever think about the woman who stands strong behind the name of the legendary brand.
In my French class we were assigned to research a French celebrity and present a speech on him or her. I figured Coco Chanel would be perfect for me considering my unhealthy addictions to online shopping and Nordstrom. I assumed I would find out amazing things about her inspirations and clothing lines—but much to my dismay, I learned a lot about this, for lack of a better term, super cool lady.
Coco Chanel’s life story shows us that things are not always what you expect them to be, and that’s okay.
1. It’s not always rainbows and butterflies
Born as Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel in 1883, Coco did not live an easy life in the beginning by any means. After her mother died, Coco was put in an orphanage, where nuns taught her how to sew. I guess we should thank these nuns, for without their sewing lessons to Coco today’s fashion wouldn’t be how we know it.
2. Everyone needs to fail in order to succeed
Before becoming possibly the most successful woman in fashion, Chanel tried to make it as a singer. This didn’t last very long, however it is where she got the name “Coco”.
3. Work Hard, Play Hard
Once Coco realized singing wasn’t going to cut it for her, she recognized her true passion and talent and opened up her first shop selling hats. This bloomed quickly and she soon started designing her own clothes. This lead to her first perfume, Chanel No. 5, which was the first ever perfume with the designers name on it. Her success quickly boomed.
4. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”
Although Coco went about things in a fashion that might not be so glamorized in today’s day, she really knew how to work her way up the ladder in order to be successful. She dated well-known, extremely wealthy young men in order to make connections to help thrive her business. This probably isn’t the best way to execute, but it sure does speak true to the importance of networking.
5. Set yourself apart
Women were starting to create a name for themselves and now had the legal right to work, vote and more. Coco came out with the “little black dress” and changed the game. She created an evolution for women who now wore something so similar to men—so simple and so basic. The “little black dress” would create a name for Coco that would stick with her forever and set herself apart.
6. When the goin’ gets tough
When the recession and the war broke out in the late 30’s, Coco was forced to close doors. However, after a darker period in her life, she waltzed back into the fashion industry and took over yet again.
Although Coco Chanel made some decisions without the greatest morals in mind, she knew what she wanted and she went for it. She was confident, independent and smart.
After being asked by a reporter about why she had never been married, she responded, “I never wanted to weigh more heavily on man than a bird.”
Coco could teach us all a thing or two about how to be successful in life and our careers.
