the controversial history of chanel 👜🖤💸

Recent questions

• What is the history of Chanel?

  Chanel, a renowned fashion brand, has a rich history spanning a century, from its founder Coco Chanel's upbringing to its controversial moments and recent reception. Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonner Chanel in 1883, faced a challenging childhood, leading her to learn sewing at a convent orphanage. After leaving the convent, Gabrielle worked as a sales assistant and seamstress, eventually becoming a cabaret singer and meeting influential individuals. Gabrielle's entry into the fashion world began with designing hats, leading to the opening of her first hat boutique in 1910, emphasizing simplicity in design. Expanding her business to include clothing, Gabrielle introduced comfortable and relaxed styles, deviating from the restrictive fashions of the time. Chanel's sporty silhouettes gained popularity, leading to the opening of her first couture house in 1916, focusing on uncluttered styles and shorter skirts.

• Who was Karl Lagerfeld?

  After Gabrielle Chanel's passing in 1971, Chanel faced a decline until Karl Lagerfeld was appointed as the artistic director in 1983, reviving the brand with modern interpretations of Chanel's iconic motifs. Lagerfeld's attempt to translate young black style into Chanel's fashion alienated existing clientele and was criticized for straying from the brand's classic silhouette. Despite criticism, Lagerfeld revitalized Chanel by introducing new trends like asymmetrical hems, techno fabrics, and accessories, attracting new buyers. Lagerfeld defended his changes, stating he aimed to update Chanel's image and move it beyond its 1980s heyday, focusing on modern design. Lagerfeld's introduction of handbags and watches in the late 1980s and 1990s expanded Chanel's product line, with the J12 watch being the first unisex design.

• What controversies surrounded Coco Chanel?

  Gabrielle's involvement with Nazi officials during World War II raised suspicions of collaboration, driven by her desire to regain control of her brand from Jewish owners, the Wertheimers. The Wertheimers legally took control of Parfum Chanel from Gabrielle Chanel, thwarting her attempts to reclaim the company. Despite being arrested post-World War II, Gabrielle Chanel was released due to lack of evidence, possibly with intervention from Winston Churchill. Upset over business dealings, Gabrielle established a Swiss perfumery, claiming the Chanel No. 5 sold by the Wertheimers was not authentic. In 1947, a settlement was reached between Gabrielle and Pierre Wertheimer, making her the richest woman with a cash award, royalties, and living expenses covered.

• How did Chanel evolve under Karl Lagerfeld?

  Lagerfeld's introduction of handbags and watches in the late 1980s and 1990s expanded Chanel's product line, with the J12 watch being the first unisex design. Lagerfeld curated a collection of model muses, including Claudia Schiffer, who became a prominent face of Chanel after being discovered by Lagerfeld at 19. Lagerfeld's theatrical Chanel shows in various settings like cruise ships and forests highlighted his design philosophy, with the Grand Palais becoming a regular show venue. Chanel's presence in popular culture grew with appearances in shows like "Sex and the City" and "The OC," solidifying its image as a brand for the young and beautiful. Lagerfeld's collaborations with Hollywood actresses like Nicole Kidman and Keira Knightley for Chanel fragrances and accessories boosted the brand's popularity.

• What is the current state of Chanel under Virginia Viard?

  Virginia Viard, appointed as Chanel's artistic director after Karl Lagerfeld's death, had been with Chanel since 1987, working closely with Lagerfeld. Viard's first solo collection for cruise 2020 paid homage to Gabrielle Chanel and Lagerfeld, criticized for being derivative and lacking the brand's needed shake-up. The set design was a highlight, but subsequent collections have been disappointing. Chanel's ambassadors, including Kristen Stewart and Penelope Cruz, have received criticism for uninspired outfits. New faces like Jenny Kim and Whitney Peak lack the star power of past ambassadors, leading to concerns about the brand's image. Chanel's increasing prices, exemplified by the iconic 255 purse doubling in price in less than a decade, have raised concerns about quality. The brand's attempt to position the bag as a luxury item akin to the Hermes Birkin has faced criticism for cheap hardware and over-processed leather.