Few people have had the impact of Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel in the world of fashion. Her name has become synonymous with style and haute couture. She was a trailblazer and innovator, simplifying silhouettes from the corset dominated styles that were popular before her career. Her choice of fabric and patterns were inspired by menswear with simplicity, practicality and clean lines becoming key. To this day many of her innovations are still a staple in most wardrobes, ranging from the little black dress to bouclé jackets and skirts.
Chanel opened her first shop in 1910, laying the groundwork for a fashion empire. Even after her death in 1971, Chanel’s legacy holds great influence over the world of fashion. Her quotes have captivated people, often focusing on beauty, style and love – here are ten of her most legendary.
Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel in 1910
Image Credit: US Library of Congress
‘One can get used to ugliness, but never to negligence.’
(Circa 1913)
Painting of Coco Chanel by Marius Borgeaud, circa 1920
Image Credit: Marius Borgeaud (1861-1924), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
“Fashion is not simply a matter of clothes. Fashion is in the air, born upon the wind. One intuits it. It is in the sky and on the road.”
(Circa 1920)
Coco Chanel poses in a sailor top in 1928
Image Credit: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
‘Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.’
(Circa 1930)
Dmitriy Pavlovich of Russia and Coco Chanel in the 1920s
Image Credit: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
‘If a man speaks badly about all women, it usually means he was burned by one woman.’
(Circa 1930)
Winston Churchill and Coco Chanel in the 1920s
Image Credit: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
(Unknown date)
Hugh Richard Arthur Grosvenor, Duke of Westminster and Coco Chanel at the Grand National, Aintree
Image Credit: Radio Times Hulton Picture Librar, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
‘There is no time for cut-and-dried monotony. There is time for work. And time for love. That leaves no other time.’
(Circa 1937)
Coco Chanel in 1937 by Cecil Beaton
Image Credit: Public Domain, via Wikimedia Commons
‘Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.’
(Circa 1937)
Coco Chanel sitting at a desk during a visit to Los Angeles
Image Credit: Los Angeles Times, CC BY 4.0
‘Fashion passes, style remains.’
(Circa 1954)
Three jersey outfits by Chanel, March 1917
Image Credit: Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
‘I only drink Champagne on two occasions, when I am in love and when I am not.’
(Unknown date)
Coco Chanel in 1954
Image Credit: US Library of Congress
‘Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty you get the face you deserve.’
(Circa 1964)
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