Chanel S.A., commonly known as
"Chanel" (English pronunciation: /ʃəˈnɛl/), is a French fashion
house founded by the late couturier Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel,
recognized as one of the most established in haute couture, specializing
in luxury goods (haute couture, ready-to-wear, handbags, perfumery,
and cosmetics among others). She gained the name "Coco" while
maintaining a career as a singer at a coffee shop in France. Chanel
has always specialized in items such as simple suits, dresses, women's
pants, and costume jewelry. Coco Chanel's vision was to replace such
opulent, pieces with items which conveyed casual elegance. Her designs
and creations are timeless, considering that the basic silhouettes have
remained consistent from generation to generation. Today, Chanel is
most famous for the "little black dress" which has become
a key item in most women's closets. According to Forbes, the privately
held House of Chanel is jointly owned by Alain Wertheimer and Gerard
Wertheimer who are the great-grandsons of the early (1924) Chanel partner
Pierre Wertheimer. |