Chanel
ESTABLISHED
1909
HEADQUARTERS
Paris, France
FOUNDER
Coco Chanel
CEO
Alain Wertheimer
ABOUT
Gabrielle Chanel, better known as Coco, transformed the women’s fashion industry by bringing elegance and simple design to over-designed, opulent fashion.
Known for the iconic Little Black Dress, the Chanel Suit and of course the perfume No. 5 de Chanel, the Parisian fashion house brought function and flattery to haute couture and prêt-à-porter.
Iconic quilted handbags and unbeatable runway shows aside, the label has continued to break down barriers in fashion while still maintaining the elegance on which it was built.
WHO DESIGNED THE CHANEL LOGO?
The iconic Chanel logo was given to Chanel by the Château de Crémat. Spotted on handbags, shoes, perfume and more, the logo is made up of two interlocking C’s in opposite directions.
WHO IS THE CHANEL FOUNDER?
The House of Chanel was founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1909.
WHAT IS THE NET WORTH OF CHANEL?
Chanel is worth $9 billion.
WHO OWNS CHANEL?
Chanel is currently owned by Alain and Gerard Wertheimer. Their family has had business input in the fashion house since their grandfather Pierre Wertheimer struck a deal with Coco in 1924.
1910
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel moves to Deauville and begins designing hats after pursuing a short singing career. Later she meets wealthy Englishman Arthur Edward “Boy” Capel who offers her a Parisian apartment and finances her first boutiques.
Chanel opens her first store, Chanel Modes, on 21 Rue Cambon.
1913
Chanel opens a store in Deauville.
Chanel introduces a sportswear collection made of jersey cotton. It features the now-ubiquitous Breton striped tee.
1915
Chanel opens her first couture house in Biarritz.
1918
Chanel opens her first couture house in Paris, at 31 Rue Cambon.
1921
Chanel’s first fragrance, Chanel No.5 launches.
1924
The first Chanel make-up line launches with lipsticks and face powders.
The Chanel tweed suit debuts.
1926
The Chanel Little Black Dress lands and features on the cover of Vogue. The now-iconic dress continues to inspire fashion to this day.
1931
Chanel designs for Hollywood icons like Gloria Swanson, Ina Claire and Greta Garbo on the request of Samuel Goldwyn.
1939
Now at the height of her fame, Chanel owns 5 boutiques at Rue Cambon but decides to close her boutiques throughout the Second World War. Only 31 Rue Cambon remains open selling perfume to American soldiers.
1954
Coco returns to Paris after fleeing to Switzerland during the war. Unhappy with the New Look, introduced by Dior, she brings back her signature style and her tweed suit is reintroduced with success.
Marilyn Monroe famously drops the line “five drop of Chanel No.5” when asked in an interview what she wore to bed.
1955
Fashion’s most iconic bag lands. The now quintessential Chanel 2.55 becomes the first-ever handbag with a strap.
1957
Chanel’s iconic two-toned slingback launches.
1960
Brigitte Bardot and Romy Schneider are snapped using the 2.55 bag.
1963
Jackie Kennedy wears a pink Chanel suit on the day of President Kennedy’s assassination.
1971
Coco Chanel dies at the Ritz Hotel in Paris. She works up right until her death.
1972
French model and actress Catherine Deneuve becomes the face of No.5.
1974
Cristalle eau de toilette is launched.
1978
Chanel’s first non-couture prêt-à-porter line is launched.
1981
Chanel appoints Jacques Polge as new perfumer. He creates Coco, Coco Mademoiselle, Allure and Chance to name but a few.
1983
Karl Lagerfeld is appointed chief designer.
Chanel’s first exclusive model is signed – Ines de la Fressange.
1984
A new fragrance, Coco is launched.
1987
The first Chanel watch debuts inspired by Place Vendôme and the iconic No. 5 perfume.
1991
Vanessa Paradis is the face of Coco.
1993
The Chanel fine jewelry and watch line launches.
2002
Chanel Chance fragrance launches.
Chanel opens a Madison Avenue jewelry and watch outlet.
2007
Maureen Chiquet is appointed CEO. The fashion house develops its own studio for jewelry creation.
2011
Chanel introduces the Boy bag – named after Gabrielle’s beau – Boy Capel.
2013
Chanel opens a new flagship store on London’s New Bond Street and celebrates 100 years since its first boutique opening.
2016
Nick Hochland succeeds Chiquet as CEO.
2018
Chanel bans furs and exotic skins from its collections. Chanel debuts its first-ever men’s make-up line.
2019
Chanel appoints Virgine Viard as the new Creative Director after the death of Karl Lagerfeld.
Chanel drops a collaboration with Pharrell Williams.
Chanel hires its first head of Diversity and Inclusion.
