Can You Tell Me About “Coco” Chanel?

Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel, born in Loire Valley, France (August 19, 1883) and passed away in January 10, 1971 (Paris, France)

Contrary to popular belief, Coco had rather humble beginnings. She was born in a peasant village and her father worked as a traveling salesman.

When her mother died of tuberculosis, Coco was entrusted in the care of the orphanage of a Roman Catholic monastery. It was there she had been able to develop her skills as a seamstress.

Coco’s first foray into fashion began with a hobby for designing hats. Her first shop, located in Paris, focused on selling trendy raincoats and jackets. It opened in 1913 but closed in the same year.

Her pioneering work has given her the distinction of being the only fashion figure to be included in Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century.