Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel was a French fashion designer and entrepreneur who revolutionized the industry with her innovative designs and business acumen. Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France, she grew up in a poorhouse and was sent to an orphanage at a young age. Despite these humble beginnings, Chanel's determination and resourcefulness propelled her to become one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. Chanel's early career in fashion was marked by her work as a milliner and hat maker, but it was her introduction to the world of haute couture that truly showcased her talents. In 1910, she opened her first boutique on the Rue Cambon in Paris, where she began to create clothing that was both elegant and practical. Her designs, which emphasized comfort, simplicity, and a sense of liberation for women, quickly gained popularity among the French aristocracy and beyond. Over the years, Chanel's brand expanded to include perfumes, accessories, and cosmetics, cementing her status as a fashion icon and entrepreneur.