then

COCO CHANEL MAKES HEADLINES IN 1920'S

You might think that the most famous fashion designer would have led a charmed life. But that is not true. Gabrielle Chanel was born in France in 1883. Her parents were very poor. Her mother died when she was only 12 and she lived in an orphanage. When she was 18, she went to work as a seamstress for wealthy clients. To make extra money, she and her sister sung in a cafe in the evenings. One of her favorite songs was about a dog named Coco — which became her nickname.

Coco always liked to do things differently. Young, independent women fell in love with her style. Coco opened her first dress shop in Paris in 1910, when she was 27. It remains in the same spot today.

PHOTOS: LEFT: Lipnitzki, Viollet — Image Works, RIGHT: Thomine-Desmazures — Sony Picture Classics

& now

CHANEL REMAINS A
FASHION ICON TODAY

“Fashion changes, but style remains,” said Coco Chanel. Chanel’s style was so simple and elegant that it has lasted over 100 years! It has continued to be popular throughout the world. Coco's classic looks are being updated each season by Karl Lagerfeld, who acts as design director for the house of Chanel.

Coco was famous for:
• Black with white collars and cuffs
• Long strands of pearls
• Tweed jackets with fringe at the hem and cuffs
• The “little black dress”
• Being the first to make clothes from T-shirt fabric
• Practical styles inspired by men’s clothing and servant’s uniforms
• Quilted purses and two-tone shoes

PHOTOS: LEFT: Design from Chanel
Spring 2011 collection,
RIGHT: KIDS THINK DESIGN

DESIGN
TOOLS

YOUTHQUAKE! The 1960s Fashion Revolution explores the dramatic impact of young people on fashion during a decade of sweeping political, social and cultural change.

ECO-DRESS
Artist and environmental educator Nancy Judd creates the Recycle Runway, fashion sculptures created from recycled trash. Take a look at her designs.

FIDM
Discover online exhibits sponsored by the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising. Make sure to check out the video on motion picture costume design for motion pictures.

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