Was Gabrielle Chanel One of Fashion's First Feminists?
She pioneered pants and knitwear, and was committed to giving women freedom of movement. She liberated women from corsets in the post World War I era, changed the course of fashion again after World War II. And yes, she was undoubtedly a feminist. Today marks the 46th anniversary of Gabrielle Chanel's death. She opened her first store in 1910, and continued to have an illustrious career until her death at 88 years old. Here are some fun facts about our favorite fashion feminist:
Chanel freed us up by inventing long shoulder straps for handbags.
She rightly believed that the short strapped minaudière bags of the early 1900s were too cumbersome and fussy, so she invented chain link shoulder straps so that women could be hands-free.
Chanel was one of the first female fashion designers to give herself a logo.
She invented the CC logo early in her career, but she didn't put it on her original bags. The CC wasn't added to the Flap bag until Karl Lagerfeld took over in 1983.
Gabrielle Chanel fought hard against restrictive and uncomfortable shapewear.
After World War II, fashion changed and the nostalgic corseted New Look dominated fashion. Chanel hated it and thought it was a step backwards for women. Gabrielle Chanel created her tweed suits as a reaction to the New Look. She wanted to create something that looked pulled together without requiring boning or corsetry.
Chanel overcame some major criticism.
Her tweed suits were initially a flop and were panned in the press. Shortly afterwards though, critics were proven wrong when the suits started flying off retail racks. She had legions of doubters, but her infallible notions of how women wanted to dress proved to be right on. And in the end isn't that all we can hope for? That we live long enough to see all of our naysayers proven wrong? Here's to you Gabrielle, and thank you for forging new paths in women's fashion.
Feature image cropped from photo uploaded by Flickr user Francesca Romana Correale
Let customers speak for us
This is my third purchase from this shop. Everything has been as described. I love my new bags
The quality and variety of items in the store are always great. The staff members and incredibly helpful as well.
I love all their bags and shoes they are wonderfull.All there stock is in great condition.
Couture never ending shopping, just when you think you’ve seen everything they have, think again something new every day shows up at this awesome boutique gotta love it!❤️
Only place I trust for my pre-loved purchases! Customer service is excellent and easy returns or exchanges make it a stress free shopping experience.
Absolutely stunning and love the bag! Fast shipping
Pleasantly surprised to find a huge selection of well organized, easy to shop luxury items. Everything I touched was in amazing condition. I walked out with 3 new treasures on my first visit there.
Couture USA is the most authentic, credible and amazing online boutique I have ever purchased from. I believe I have purchased at lease 12 items so far, just getting warmed up. They are tough with their “condition grading scale”, which is what makes couture USA a whole higher caliber. Every item is 100% authentic, As is their condition rating system from Fair to New. When they state an item is in “good” condition” , to me it’s “ like new” when I receive it! The devil is in the detail and they don’t miss a scratch or slight wear and tear, which I would’ve never noticed with an untrained eye! So they are a trusted source. What you see in the description you read is exactly what you get, and usually even better than expected in person!! I am grateful to have found their store and website! A+++
Love love LOVED my experience with Couture USA! So kind, so informative, and very responsive with questions on pieces. I did take my piece to my LV CA and she scanned and verified its authenticity so they are 100% on their authenticity.
I have purchased many items here and have loved them all! Most recently I found a dream Chanel chocolate brown lambskin Diana! Brooke, and Amber are amazing and so helpful!
As usual, I go in to look at the merchandise. I always go on the website first to view what I will be most interested in seeing. They’re so much fun and helpful. Even though I have my favorites, I look at EVERYTHING. They just let me do my thing. They know me and just check on me periodically while I go about my business 😍.
I always enjoy the excursion❣️
I bought my third bag from Couture. This one is a Chanel. I love it. As usual their merchandise is exquisite
I have purchased many items from Couture. It is my favorite place to shop.
Another marvelous experience with Couture Boutique. I always wanted the Chanel watch with diamonds, the “it” watch and Catherine personally helped me, sent me the two extra links and the watch is absolutely gorgeous, for literally half price from what it sells for at the Chanel boutique. Great merchandise and also great service. I only wish I was closer to Tampa, but I am in the Bay Area. Thanks again for this new addition to my collection.
I decided I need to buy myself a birthday gift and found the most beautiful Gucci satchel. It is like new and perfect size. Couldn’t be happier
Couture VIP
Sign up now for exclusive pre-sale alert before anyone else!
+30 OFF your first purchase of $300 or more
