Style
Share
Published 15:50 20 Mar 2013 GMT
Coco Chanel was not only one of the most influential designers of her time, she was also one of the most pioneering and changed women’s relationship with clothes – and style – forever.
From the intertwined double ‘c’ logo, to her signature No. 5 scent, Coco’s connection with the house of Chanel is still as strong and visible today as it was back in 1909 when she founded the Parisian label and from the runway to the high street, her influence continues to flourish.
So, what is Coco Chanel’s enduring legacy - apart from her being the first women to make wearing trousers in public acceptable? From the LBD to the much copied quilted bag, here we pick our top five...
The Breton Top
Nowadays the striped blue and white Breton top is a sartorial staple, but back in the early 20s, Coco was inspired to recreate the sailor tops worn by French fishermen at the time.
The Quilted Bag
From Penneys to Topshop, the quilted 2.55 is one of the most copied bag designs of all time. Sick of carrying her handbags, Coco invented the shoulder bag to free up her hands and in doing so, revolutionised accessories forever.
Uber fan Claudia Schiffer nails the Chanel look
The Boucle Jacket
Boxy, cardigan shaped woolen jackets continue to be a wardrobe must and dominate the high street, but the original was designed by Chanel when she created the first skirt suit.
The Fake Pearls
As any self-confessed magpie will know, costume jewellery is one of the best ways to transform a simple outfit. From a string of pearls, to oversized ornate bangles, Coco knew how to accessorise any outfit and had no qualms about faking it.
The LBD
Coco didn't invent the little black dress, but she did make it a popular choice when wearing black from head-to-toe was still considered a fashion faux pas. "Women think about all colors except the absence of color. I have already said that black has it all. White too. Their beauty is absolute,"she said.
Timeless, relevant and a maverick of her time - Coco Chanel, we salute your style.
Style
Style
Style
The best-selling M&S dress everyone will be swiping up for the summer
This M&S summer dress will complete your wardrobe This M&S summer dress is the IT Girl dress of the summer. Summer is finally here, and our wardrobes are in need of a boost. The old dresses we’ve been wearing for the last decade are looking a little worse for wear. It’s time to find the […]
Style
1 week ago
M&S introduces major change to bra fittings after successful trial
M&S has made a huge change to its bra fittings There’s no doubt that many of us will remember our first bra fitting at M&S. As awkward and red-faced teenagers, a trip to M&S for your first training bra was quite the momentous day, and a place we’ve gone back to time and time again […]
Style
1 month ago
Style
Dunnes Stores slashes the price of chic leopard mini dress by 50%
Style
