Chanel's history, what was going on in the world at the time and etc - Essay Example

This historic event in high fashion, transpired in Deauville, France. The French ladies readily accepted her functional and fashionable sportswear, menswear trousers for females, swimming costumes and Breton tops. Coco Chanel’s genius was disclosed in the fact that a single novel development of hers had delivered the ladies of that era from the uncomfortable and awkward apparel of the belle époque era (Higgins, 2013, p. 135). As such, the phenomenon of trendsetting began with Coco Chanel. She was a pioneer in modernising fashion.

Some instances of her innovations are; introduction of beaded dresses in the 1920s, the controversial little black dress, and the two or three piece suit. The latter constitutes a signature Chanel look, even in the present era. Coco Chanel introduced her signature perfume Chanel No. 5, by 1921. This perfume has achieved the distinction of being one of the best-selling perfumes in the world (New York Media LLC, 2013). In the 1950s, Coco Chanel returned to Paris. At that juncture, Christian Dior had acquired the position of the premiere couturier of Paris.

This was not to the liking of Coco Chanel, who launched a chain-link belt designed and produced by her. In addition, she designed, manufactured and sold quilted leather bags. This reinstated her as the exemplar of glamour (New York Media LLC, 2013). In 1971, Coco Chanel breathed her last. However, her legacy continued and progressed from strength to strength. Thus, in 1978, Chanel launched the first ready-to-wear collection. By that time, Chanel had become synonymous with luxury. All the same, this beauty house found it difficult to preserve its reputation for opulence.

This was due to the absence of a lead designer in the company. However, in the year 1983, Karl Lagerfeld became a member of Chanel (New York Media LLC, 2013). He was instrumental in reviving its elitist status. As such, from its humble