What is Coco Chanel Known for? April 19 2022

Is there anything more chic and feminine than a little black dress? Or a classic two-piece Chanel suit? And what about those fantastic quilted bags, monogrammed ballet flats, and long gold chain and pearl necklaces? Rice and Beans Vintage is fortunate to have some fantastic and drool-worthy Chanel pieces come its way; but the real question is, what would the world of fashion—especially vintage fashion—be like if Chanel had never ventured beyond the realm of creating hats?

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel set up her first millinery in 1908 at 21 Rue Cambon in Paris. By the end of World War I, she had started dressmaking—and thank goodness she did! From the very beginning of her career to the time of her death in 1971—and beyond, with the contemporary designs put out by the company—Chanel developed innovative, unique, and ground-breaking designs for the modern woman.

Chanel is credited with creating the popularity of what has come to be termed the “little black dress” (or LBD) starting in the 1920s. Even today, the LBD is a staple of every woman’s wardrobe—how many do you own?

Chanel’s classic two-piece suits were also created in the 1920s, and have since been modified to meet the demands of changing tastes. While she obviously had a never-ending supply of innovation sparking design, Chanel was also intensely aware of the need for clothing to be functional—especially when it came to her suits. Pockets were never fake (Chanel once said that there should never be a button without a buttonhole), and her living models were instructed to bend down, as if getting into a sports car, or step up, as if boarding a bus, to ensure the clothing moved in an easy, comfortable, and appropriate way. A fine metal chain was added to jacket hems to make sure the piece always hung well. Quality materials were used, and new designs and products were introduced. In short, Gabrielle Chanel looked after women. She offered them quality and luxury, and designs to speak to the modern woman. Where would we be if she felt content designing hats, and never took risks?