Chanel

Chanel is one of the most known French fashion houses, founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1910. Chanel popularised the sailor top, long strings of pearls and straw hats in the 1910s before introducing the little black dress in 1926-a simple, straight silhouette that signalled an embrace of understated elegance and quickly became a cultural icon. The brand’s codes also include the tweed suit, designed in the 1950s with a collarless jacket and easy skirt that offered freedom of movement; quilted handbags like the 2.55; and the camellia, a recurring motif inspired by Coco’s favourite flower.

After Coco Chanel’s death in 1971, the house underwent transitions before Karl Lagerfeld was appointed artistic director in 1983. The label works across ready-to-wear, accessories, handbags, and fragrances. Recurring signatures include tweed, pearls, and jersey. Creative direction is currently led by Matthieu Blazy. The house is part of Chanel Limited (owned by Alain and Gérard Wertheimer). Originally a millinery shop, the house evolved into a full fashion atelier that liberated women from restrictive corsets through comfortable, streamlined garments made from jersey.

Chanel’s philosophy is grounded in the belief that simplicity and comfort are the essence of true elegance. Coco Chanel sought to free women from the constraints of corseted fashion, designing fluid garments that enabled movement and independence. Her adoption of jersey and other traditionally masculine fabrics defied conventions and signalled a new era of practical luxury. She argued that elegance comes from inner attitude rather than overt ornamentation, famously stating that simplicity is the keynote of true elegance. This ethos translated into pared-back silhouettes, thoughtful detailing and a neutral colour palette that have become timeless hallmarks of the house.

Over the decades Chanel has maintained this philosophy while evolving with contemporary culture. Karl Lagerfeld injected modernity by playing with proportions, pop-culture references and bold embellishments yet never abandoned the underlying codes. Virginie Viard continues to explore the juxtaposition of ease and sophistication, often referencing 1970s-inspired bohemian moods with delicate embroidery and flowing dresses. Chanel’s commitment to craftsmanship remains unwavering: its ateliers specialise in tweed weaving, embroidery, feather work and flower making. The house views fashion as a means of empowerment, creating garments that encourage confidence and freedom rather than mere decoration.