Chanel

Chanel is a French luxury fashion house founded by Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in 1910 in Paris. It specializes in haute couture, ready-to-wear, accessories, fragrance, and cosmetics, and is renowned for modernizing women’s fashion with simple, comfortable silhouettes such as the collarless jersey jacket, the little black dress, and the tweed suit. The interlocking double-C logo is a widely recognized emblem of the brand.

History and design philosophy

Chanel began as a small millinery and hat business in Deauville before moving to Paris, where it expanded into clothing that emphasized practicality and ease of movement rather than constricting corsets. By the 1920s, Chanel popularized sportswear-inspired tailoring and streamlined silhouettes. The house introduced Chanel No. 5, a landmark fragrance created by Ernest Beaux in 1921, which became one of the best-known perfumes in the world. In 1926, Chanel popularized the little black dress and the Chanel suit, shaping modern women’s fashion through minimalist elegance, luxurious fabrics, and refined details.

Brand identity and products

Beyond couture and ready-to-wear, Chanel produces fragrance, cosmetics, skincare, jewelry, eyewear, and accessories. Signature items include the Chanel No. 5 fragrance, quilted handbags with chain straps, and the iconic tweed and jersey ensembles that have defined the house’s aesthetic. The brand emphasizes exclusivity and meticulous craftsmanship across its boutiques and product lines.

Corporate structure and leadership

Chanel S.A.S. is a privately held company with significant control by the Wertheimer family, descendants of early partners in the brand. After Karl Lagerfeld led design from 1983 to 2019, Virginie Viard has served as creative director since 2019. Chanel maintains its headquarters in Paris and operates globally through runway shows, flagship stores, and a broad distribution network.