5 Surprising Facts About Coco Chanel You Never Knew Before

5 Surprising Facts About Coco Chanel You Never Knew Before

Coco Chanel is undoubtedly one of the most iconic fashion designers of all time. Her legacy is still felt today, with many of her designs influencing current fashion trends. However, despite her fame and the countless books and articles written about her, there are still some lesser-known facts about her life and career. Here are five surprising facts about Coco Chanel that you probably never knew before.

1. Chanel’s Real Name Wasn’t Coco

While the world knows her as Coco Chanel, her real name was Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. The nickname Coco was actually given to her by her father, who was a travelling salesman. He would often take Gabrielle with him on his travels, and the nickname stuck as a reference to the popular French song “Ko Ko Ri Ko.” It wasn’t until later in life that Gabrielle began using the name Coco professionally.

2. She Designed Clothes for Women’s Comfort

One of Coco Chanel’s most significant contributions to fashion was her focus on comfort. Until Chanel came along, women’s fashion was generally uncomfortable, with tight corsets and restrictive clothing. Chanel, however, sought to create clothes that women could move in comfortably, freeing them from the restrictive clothing of the past. She designed clothes that were simple, elegant, and comfortable to wear, which was a revolutionary concept at the time.

3. Chanel Was a Nazi Sympathizer

While this fact is not widely known, Coco Chanel was a Nazi sympathizer. During World War II, she had an affair with a German officer and used her connections to try to secure the release of her nephew, who was being held as a prisoner of war. She also stayed at the Ritz Hotel, which was a German headquarters, during the war. After the war, Chanel fled to Switzerland to avoid charges of collaboration with the Nazis.

4. The Little Black Dress Saved Her Career

In the 1920s, Chanel’s career was struggling. Her designs were not selling well, and she was considering giving up fashion altogether. However, in 1926, she introduced the little black dress, which was an instant success. The dress was simple, elegant, and versatile, and it quickly became a staple in women’s wardrobes. The little black dress saved Coco Chanel’s career and cemented her place in fashion history.

5. Chanel’s Signature Perfume Has a Dark History

Chanel No. 5 is one of the most famous perfumes in the world, and it has a dark history. The scent was created in 1921 by perfumer Ernest Beaux, with Chanel’s input. However, it is said that the fragrance was inspired by the smell of the women with whom Coco Chanel’s lover, Arthur Capel, had affairs. The perfume became a sensation and has since become synonymous with sophistication and luxury.

In conclusion, Coco Chanel was a complex and fascinating person whose legacy continues to inspire fashion designers today. Her focus on comfort and elegance revolutionized women’s fashion, and her little black dress remains one of the most famous garments in history. While her Nazi sympathies and the questionable inspiration behind her signature scent may tarnish her reputation somewhat, there is no denying that she left an indelible mark on the fashion world.