Coco Chanel Unknown Facts

Known to the world as Coco Chanel , this French designer, whose real name was Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, is credited for popularizing sporty and casual chic as a feminine standard of style in the post World War I era.  While there are many facts known about this French businesswoman, there are still a few unknown ones. Check out some of these unknown facts here!

Unknown facts about Coco Chanel

1) Pack of 6

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was the second child born to Eugene Jeanne Devolle and Albert Chanel.  She had one elder sister and of all her six siblings, only five survived. The five siblings and their parents lived in a one room lodging till the death of Coco’s mother due to tuberculosis.  The five kids were then eventually abandoned by their father. 

2) The singing Coco

After turning 18, Gabrielle moved to Moulins and started performing in cafes.  Because of her beauty and charm, the audience, which mostly consisted of soldiers, started calling her Coco because of the song Qui qu’a vu Coco.  This is how Gabrielle became Coco.

3) The Little Black Dress

Before Coco, black was considered a mourning color.  However, as black was Coco’s favourite color, Coco created the first little black dress in 1926.  She called the dress Chanel’s Ford as it was practical and accessible to all just like the Ford Model T.  This Little Black Dress has since become a symbol of elegance.

4) A hat for a start

Even though Chanel created many iconic products, she started her career by designing hats.  She was taught to sew during her time at an orphanage, where she was sent after her father abandoned her and her siblings.  Sewing helped her start her business and she opened her first shop selling only hats in 1913. With increasing popularity, she eventually started selling designer clothes as well.

5) No. 5

The now iconic perfume Chanel No. 5 was the first perfume to be named after the designer.  The number 5 was, in fact, the lucky number of Coco, as suggested by a fortune teller. Moreover, the perfume was the first one which advertised at the Super Bowl.

6) A suite life

For more than 30 years of her life, Coco lived in a suite of Hotel Ritz at Place Vendome, Paris.  This suite was very special and close to her heart. It was in this suite she took her last breath in 1971.  The hotel named the suite after her and kept all her decorations and personal belongings as it was. Today, spending a night in this suite costs almost 20,000 euros.

The legacy of Coco Chanel and her fashion will live on forever.  Her humble background and determination to never stop working hard resulted in Chanel becoming one of the most famous fashion houses in the world.  Coco Chanel continues to be an inspiration for women everywhere who dream of becoming entrepreneurs.