Coco Chanel, Fashion Icon

She’s a household name; a legendary fashion icon who, even if you’re not a fashion follower, have been unsuspectingly influenced by her genius. Coco Chanel, synonymous with impeccable and timeless garments and deliciously pungent perfume, was named one of, Time 100: The Most Important People of the Century. It’s an honor only suiting for the founder of fashion powerhouse, Chanel.

Coco was born on August 19, 1883. She learned how to sew in an orphanage and shortly after she left at 18, became the first designer to say “buh bye” to impractical and torturous corsets. In their place she constructed loosely fitting women’s clothing utilizing jersey, a textile mainly used for men’s clothing at the time. Halleluiah, rejoice and amen to that; I’ll take fabulously loose over tremendously tight any time.

Her chic style has been memorialized and her designs, perpetually referenced in today’s collections. A flawless Chanel suit conveys power and success and is a hot commodity among the rich and famous alike.  Some of her other creations such as monochrome, oversized cuffs and costume jewelry are a staple in every modern girl’s closet.

It’s hard to imagine a world where Coco Chanel didn’t exist. Especially since her designs were not only groundbreaking but paved the way to many popular designers that we’ve grown to love. What would fashion look like without her persuasion? The corset still makes an occasional appearance, in and outside of the bedroom, but certainly not in the, can’t-even-walk-up-the-stairs-without-fainting, variety.

I hope to one day own my very own Chanel suit. Most importantly, I hope to one day be able to afford one. Until then, it’s lovely to look back on her legacy, admire her craft and take in the fact that, without her, who knows how much longer women would be “lacing-up.” As much as adore the way a corset looks, the only lacing-up I’ll be doing day in and day out is related to my gym sneakers.

By Julia Gleason

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