Chanel, The Power of History

“Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress.” – Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel created a brand that has become known to the world as the definition of elegance, simplicity, class, and wealth. The history of the company demonstrates the motivation for her designs and further explains why the CC logo has remained one of the most desired fashion statements for so long. In opposition to the Parisian, female attire, Chanel created unique and masculine silhouettes, while always keeping in mind comfort. Little did she know that the tweed jacket, the classic ballet flat, the sailor striped shirt and the simple black quilted handbag with a chain strap would remain fashion statements to this day. While Chanel’s collections may change, there are constant staples that remain popular and seem to demonstrate how Chanel represents the antithesis of the constantly fleeting styles of fashion today. Each piece can be worn for eternity, and the brand’s history led to Chanel’s everlasting image of remaining powerful while simultaneously feminine. Perhaps it always remains one of the top fashion houses, because it is refreshing to find something that remains the same in a consumer driven society where competition leads to designers always wanting to be different and “unique”. On the contrary, maybe it is because women can feel more unique, and thus empowered if they go with a classic instead of following the latest trends like everyone else. At the start of the brand, women used to be attracted to Chanel because it was a novelty and now women are attracted to the brand, because it is one of the few brands that remains classic from season to season.
-KF