20th Century's Most Influential Artists
Coco Chanel: Chic and Elegance
by Welton Chang

Chanel is number one on many people's lists as a great designer. She was ahead of her time not only in styles, but also in ideas. Her clothing freed women  and moved them from the images of restricting clothing to limitless energy.

Chanel was born in a French village in 1883. She began her career designing hats, first in Paris in 1908. She then opened two fashion boutiques simultaneously in 1914. In 1920, she moved to Paris and opened the House of Chanel. By then, her styles were already popular. She combined many articles and styles normally worn by men and made them for women to wear. Since she could not afford the fashion of that time she set out to make her own. Not only did she make clothes that were defiant, she made sure she wore clothes that fit her style. In time, she would be the fashion setter for the world. In 1923 she debuted Chanel No.5, the first perfume with a designer's name on it.

Not only did Chanel make clothing but she set a trend for women everywhere. Her accessories also punctuated her appearance. She wore heavy jewelry even if it was fake and even with sportswear. Women around the world began to copy the same look.

Chanel was forced to close down in 1939 due to war and in 1945 she was exiled to Switzerland because she had been found to have an affair with a German officer. But upon her return in 1954, her styles were once again alive and well.

Upon her death in 1971, Chanel's assistant designers took up her role and began designing ready-wear. Katherine Hepburn played Coco in the Broadway musical, Coco. Her legend lives on and will be remembered as the woman who set women's fashion free.