Coco Chanel

Born in Saumur, France in 1883. There was a misspelling on her birth certificate that recorded her last name as “Chasnel,” making the tracing of her roots very difficult though not much is known of her early life, it is believed that Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel had received some experience in millinery and dressmaking before opening a hat shop in Paris in 1910. Three years later, she opened a boutique in Deauville. Chanel would sell chemises, simple blouses, and hats.

In her boutiques, Chanel would sell loose pieces that were constructed with fewer linings that could be worn without corsets. In 1916, she began making dresses out of jersey, a fabric that was previously used for undergarments. She then decided to manufacture both jersey and a specially woven knit due to high demand.

In 1920, Chanel introduced the “yachting pants,” which are wide-legged pants for women inspired by sailor’s bell bottoms. During the 20′s, Chanel introduced one innovation after another. One of Chanel’s hallmark’s is the popularization of the “little black dress”.