Evolution of Chanel's Designs

Coco Chanel's first design in 1909

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same" -Coco Chanel 

   

As we can see fashion evolves around us every day! It brings a new kind of sense and a new way to present ourselves in society. Every era has its one main style or color scheme  that people can not wait to have. But as we know everything starts from something , so what style did Chanel bring to the world
 first you ask?

Well it wasn't anything special let me tell you that. Her first designs in 1909 were women's sportswear, which she made for women in World War 1. They were a simple jersey material which gave women something lose and comfortable to wear instead of tight corsets, which was in style at the time. Her motto in the early years was comfort and affordability rather than chic, leek and glamour. But that didn't last long, when she came out with her first collection of day dresses which were described to be elegant and sleek. This triggered the chic style of the"little black dress".

In my opinion the 1920's were when Chanel designed her best pieces of art that would evolve as a must have in the 21st century. What were those pieces of art you may ask ? They were as simple as a black colored cardigan and her "Chanel No.5" fragrance. As you may have noticed on every shelve in the shopping malls there is a variety of knit, spandex, or cotton so called "cardigans"of every color. After reading about how Chanel brought the cardigan to life, I saw that one piece of clothing as a connection to the queen of fashion. In other words, ladies it doesn't matter where you got that cardigan from you ARE wearing an art of Chanel. Also, her "Chanel No. 5" has evolved so much in the past centuries but even tho the bottle has changed  I still feel that the sent still leaves the individual smelling and feeling like a million bucks!


The 1930's was known as the "Sleek Era" with long lengthy dresses which soon turned into a summer collection of rhinestone material. Her long elegant dresses were known for their sleek and fitting appeal to the eye. With this collection her designs were targeted to draw more of the small and petite sized women in society. Having said that, she then launched a collection of accessories such as her famous design of pearl necklaces and black leather handbags with the famous CC logo in gold.


Sadly, this icon of fashion ended her life in 1971. Even though the "queen" was gone her collections still kept her essences alive as Karl Lagerfeld became chief designer in 1983. During those years between her death and the upbringing of a new leader, the label struggled to uphold such a luxurious and known name. But Lagerfeld soon gave Chanel's designs a more classic look with "shorter dresses while still allowing women to look dignified"*.

It is funny how fashion revolves in a big circle! The evolution of Chanel's designs show a complete circle from staying away from tight clothes to designing more fitting and sleek dresses. I see it as every time a store puts out a new sweater or a new wash color of jeans for the shopper it changes the whole appeal on how we as people see each other. In this case, Chanel's designs have made a fine line to deffer the upper class and lower class in our society today. But the one thing I ask myself is, is the label of Coco Chanel to "upscale" for some countries? Was that "fine line" made to just please the upper class life style?    




     
*:http://www.fairwindssarongs.com/style-evolution--the-changing-face-of-chanel---how-chanel-s-classic-style-has-remained-relevant-over.html