Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was an orphan who learned all about sewing and dressmaking from the nuns at the orphanage where she lived. When she was 18, she opened a hat-making shop on the ground floor of the Parisian flat of the textile businessman Etienne Balsan. Because the Balsan flat also was a salon for the French hunting and sporting élite, Chanel had the opportunity to meet many mistresses and wives, who became fans of her hats and, soon afterward, her dresses.
At a time when corsets and large feathered hats were still in style, Chanel was unique in that she was more interested in comfort than style. She instantly did become a fashion icon, as women everywhere began ditching their corsets and wearing “the little black dress” and the Chanel suit dress.
The color black was only worn by widows or those in mourning until Chanel introduced it as an acceptable fashion statement with “the little black dress. Chanel is also known for using jersey cloth, which was commonly used for men’s underwear.
In 1921, Chanel asked a perfume maker to create a new fragrance to match her clothing. This perfume, which she named Chanel #5, is now the best-known perfume name in the world. The #5 name came simply from the perfume batch that Chanel liked best. While Chanel stores in Europe had to close during WWII, Chanel herself was allowed by the Nazi regime to continue making her perfume. After the war, she decided to retire to Switzerland.
Chanel grew bored with retirement, however, and returned to France, to find the world was enamored with a new designer, Christian Dior. Determined to get back into the business, Chanel created new suits, a line of jewelry, and what would become the infamous handbag design with the double C embossed into the leather.
Coco Chanel passed away in 1971, but her infamous stores and products continue on. The company has more than 300 stores located around the world and an untold number of upscale stores carry her designer items.
In 2016, the company had an estimated annual revenue of $5.2 billion. The corporate office for Chanel in the USA is located in New York, New York.
Chanel
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel was an orphan who learned all about sewing and dressmaking from the nuns at the orphanage where she lived. When she was 18, she opened a hat-making shop on the ground floor of the Parisian flat of the textile businessman Etienne Balsan. Because the Balsan flat also was a salon for the French hunting and sporting élite, Chanel had the opportunity to meet many mistresses and wives, who became fans of her hats and, soon afterward, her dresses.
At a time when corsets and large feathered hats were still in style, Chanel was unique in that she was more interested in comfort than style. She instantly did become a fashion icon, as women everywhere began ditching their corsets and wearing “the little black dress” and the Chanel suit dress.
History
The color black was only worn by widows or those in mourning until Chanel introduced it as an acceptable fashion statement with “the little black dress. Chanel is also known for using jersey cloth, which was commonly used for men’s underwear.
In 1921, Chanel asked a perfume maker to create a new fragrance to match her clothing. This perfume, which she named Chanel #5, is now the best-known perfume name in the world. The #5 name came simply from the perfume batch that Chanel liked best. While Chanel stores in Europe had to close during WWII, Chanel herself was allowed by the Nazi regime to continue making her perfume. After the war, she decided to retire to Switzerland.
Chanel grew bored with retirement, however, and returned to France, to find the world was enamored with a new designer, Christian Dior. Determined to get back into the business, Chanel created new suits, a line of jewelry, and what would become the infamous handbag design with the double C embossed into the leather.
Coco Chanel passed away in 1971, but her infamous stores and products continue on. The company has more than 300 stores located around the world and an untold number of upscale stores carry her designer items.
In 2016, the company had an estimated annual revenue of $5.2 billion. The corporate office for Chanel in the USA is located in New York, New York.
Ronna Brasco says
To whom it may concern:
The purpose of this message is to ask for direction in regard to finding an associate to help with a purchase.
I have called customer service 10 times in the last week to purchase a couple of items. I am told an associate will be in touch.
This process stared 10-29-22 and as of today 11-8-22, I am still calling customer service with the same request.
My experience has been beyond disappointing . My daughter has purchased her wedding dress from Chanel as well as her rehearsal dress. I would like to add to this collection for her wedding, however, I can’t seem to find an associate to help.
Sharon Tee says
Dear Chanel,
It has come to my attention that there was potential breach of my personal information which has been misused by individuals unknown. I have been in communication with Chanel KLCC Malaysia retail staffs with regards to my intention to purchase the Coco Handle bag since 2020. Recently I have been told by your staff that I am ineligible to purchase as I have made purchases prior in 2021.
Upon further investigation and information provided by your staff, the records shows that I have made 5 purchases, of which, only one was actually made by me.
From the information derived, I am convinced that my profile and information has been misused to purchase products from Chanel. I wrote an email to customer services but there is no action taken or any responses.
I would like to further add that I am disappointed with the attitude and treatment by your staffs handling my inquiry. I have made a few visits to Chanel outlet in KLCC Malaysia and have also inquired about the Coco Handle bag and each time I have been told that I have been put onto the waiting list. Unfortunately, I have been told that in fact this is not true and I was never on the waiting list.
DM says
Hi,
I bought a chanel boy bag in 2016 and only used it a handful of times. I noticed some white speckles or white areas that were not painted on sides of the front and back quilts. I brought it in to the Chanel store on Madison Ave in Manhattan New York. I asked if they can check what it was and what can be done. They said they’ll have to send it in, I agreed and asked them to please call me before doing any work on the bag, but they did not call me and repaired the bag. I asked for a receipt of what was done to the bag but no reply. I am very upset of how the bag turned out and still see some white areas when the bag is supposed to be hot pink. I do not want this as it has been recolored or painted. May you please give me credit back for another boy bag. Thank you.
mark z says
To whom it may concern,
As a long-time loyal customer of CHANEL, I have purchased CHANEL handbags, clothes, and watches, together worth at least 200,000 USD. I recently visited CHANEL SKP store in Beijing, China. The attitude and behavior of this saleswoman Vivien is so bad that it has shocked me and leading me to write this complaint email. I have never been disappointed by the service of any CHANEL salesmen or saleswomen, not before this time.
Loyal customer
Mark Z.
33798089@ qq.com
Karen says
To the Owner of Channel,
This is a very sad day for me to see that you have a transgender representing Chanel. I buy so many of your products and they are wonderful, however after seeing this picture of a so called women, I have a very mixed bag of emotional feelings. As a Christian women this is very offensive to me! I know our world is changing, but I stand my ground as a believer in the bible and the Lord. Its so unfortunate after reading the story of your original founder and how she started making clothes for the orphanage. I have to believe she would be so disappointed. You have to do what you feel is right for your company, but I have a voice too! I have a right to express my feelings. I cannot and will not be that Christian who does not stand up to express my own personal opinion and beliefs. I’m praying you will make better choices in the future with who you choose to represent Chanel.
Rondalyn Mercer says
Hello Sir, my name iis Rondalyn Mercer . I just purchased a perfume (Mademoiselle) . I saved my money up to buy this ,which took me years . I love it .As a 52 year old woman, I feel amazing. Thanks for making me smell and feel special .If only I could ask you for some samples , I would really be greatful and thankful. Rondalyn Mercer
College Park GA 30349
770-778-XXXXX
rrmercer40@ yahoo.com
gerhardt says
Looking for a job