Ethan Rhodes
Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, was a French fashion designer and businesswoman who founded the Chanel brand. She was born in 1883 in Saumur, France, in a charity hospital run by the Sisters of Providence. Chanel's mother, Jeanne, was a laundrywoman, and her father, Albert, was a street vendor. Chanel grew up in poverty and was sent to an orphanage after her mother's death when she was 11 years old. Despite her humble beginnings, she became one of the most influential figures in the fashion industry, revolutionizing women's style with her elegantly casual designs and iconic innovations such as the Chanel suit, the 'little black dress, and Chanel No. 5 perfume.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel |
| Nickname | Coco |
| Birthdate | 19 August 1883 |
| Birthplace | Charity hospital run by the Sisters of Providence (a poorhouse) in Saumur, Maine-et-Loire, France |
| Parents | Eugénie Jeanne Devolle Chanel (laundrywoman) and Albert Chanel (street vendor) |
| Birth Certificate Surname | Chasnel (misspelled) |
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What You'll Learn
Coco Chanel was born in a charity hospital in Saumur, France
Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, came into the world on 19 August 1883 in Saumur, France. Chanel was born in a charity hospital run by the Sisters of Providence, a poorhouse in the Maine-et-Loire region. Her parents, Eugénie Jeanne Devolle Chanel, known as Jeanne, and Albert Chanel, already had one child, Julia, born less than a year before Chanel. Albert Chanel was an itinerant street vendor who sold work clothes and undergarments, leading a nomadic life travelling to and from market towns. The family lived in run-down lodgings, and Chanel was born into poverty.
Chanel's birth name was mistakenly entered as 'Chasnel' on her birth certificate. Her father was listed as "travelling", and her mother was too unwell to attend the registration. Chanel would go to her grave with the incorrect name of Gabrielle Chasnel, as legally changing it would reveal that she was born in a poorhouse hospice.
Chanel grew up in rural France, and her family's living situation was unstable. She was sent to live in an orphanage in Aubazine after her mother's death when she was 11 years old. Her father abandoned his children, and Chanel and her two sisters were raised in the convent-run orphanage. Chanel learned to sew during her time at Aubazine, a skill that would contribute to her future career as a seamstress and fashion designer.
At 18, Chanel left the orphanage and moved to Moulins, where she lived in a convent while attending school. She found employment as a seamstress and café singer, performing in cabaret and café-concerts. It was during this time that she acquired the nickname "Coco", possibly inspired by the songs she sang, including "Ko Ko Ri Ko" and "Qui qu'a vu Coco dans l'Trocadéro?".
Chanel's humble beginnings in a charity hospital marked the start of a life that would go on to revolutionise the fashion industry and Parisian haute couture. She became a fashion icon, known for her elegantly casual and comfortable designs, including the iconic little black dress. Chanel extended her influence beyond clothing to jewellery, handbags, and fragrance, leaving an indelible mark on the world of fashion and design.
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Her parents were Albert Chanel and Eugenie Jeanne Devolle Chanel
It is widely believed that Coco Chanel was born in a charity hospital in Saumur, France, on August 19, 1883. However, the exact location of the hospital remains a mystery, as there are no official records or clear indicators of the specific facility.
Now, turning to the topic of her parents:
Her parents, Albert Chanel and Eugenie Jeanne Devolle Chanel, had a significant impact on Coco Chanel's life, although their presence in her life differed greatly. Albert Chanel, a street vendor who peddled work clothes and undergarments, was often absent due to his work-related travels. He provided for the family financially but was not a consistent physical presence in his daughter's life. On the other hand, Eugenie Jeanne Devolle Chanel, who worked as a laundrywoman, played a more active role in Coco's upbringing.
Coco was the second child of five daughters born to the couple. Her mother, Eugenie, was left to care for the children largely on her own due to Albert's frequent absences. This dynamic had a profound influence on Coco's life and outlook. Eugenie's work as a laundrywoman meant that she often took her young daughters with her to the laundry, where they would help with the family business. This environment exposed Coco to the world of fashion and fabric from a very early age.
The family's social status and financial situation were also shaped by the professions of Coco's parents. Albert's occupation as a street vendor and Eugenie's work as a laundrywoman placed them in the lower-middle class. This background influenced Coco's early life, and it also fueled her ambition and drive to succeed and elevate her social status later in life. Despite the challenges and instability of her childhood, Coco Chanel went on to become one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, revolutionizing fashion for women and leaving a lasting impact on the industry that continues to this day.
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She was their second child, after Julia
Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, was born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. She was the second child of her parents, Eugénie Jeanne Devolle Chanel, known as Jeanne, and Albert Chanel. Her mother was a laundrywoman, while her father was a street vendor. The family lived in poverty, moving throughout the French countryside. Chanel was born in a charity hospital run by the Sisters of Providence, a poorhouse. Her parents already had one child, Julia, born less than a year before Chanel. Albert Chanel was not present for either birth, as he was often away travelling and selling goods.
Chanel grew up in a time when women were expected to wear confining and uncomfortable clothing. However, she had a different vision and wanted to design stylish yet comfortable garments for women. She learned to sew during her time at the orphanage in Aubazine, a skill that would later contribute to her career in fashion. Chanel found employment as a seamstress and also sang in cabarets and cafes. It was during this time that she acquired the nickname "Coco," which is believed to be a reference to the songs she performed, such as "Ko Ko Ri Ko" and "Qui qu'a vu Coco?" ("Who Has Seen Coco?").
Chanel became a well-known fashion designer, ruling Parisian haute couture for almost six decades. She is known for her iconic innovations such as the Chanel suit, the quilted purse, costume jewellery, and the ""little black dress." She stressed simplicity and comfort in her designs, revolutionizing the fashion industry. Chanel also ventured beyond clothing, creating the iconic perfume Chanel No. 5 and designing handbags. Her signature interlocked-CC monogram has become a lasting symbol of her brand.
Chanel's personal life was marked by her parents' early deaths and her time spent in the orphanage. She had affairs with wealthy men, including Arthur ("Boy") Capel, who provided financial support for her first shop in 1910. Chanel also collaborated with the Nazis during their occupation of France, a decision that cast a shadow over her legacy. Despite this, she remains a fashion icon, leaving an indelible mark on the industry with her timeless designs and innovative spirit.
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Chanel's birth name was Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel
Chanel was born in a charity hospital run by the Sisters of Providence (a poorhouse) in Saumur, Maine-et-Loire. At birth, Chanel's name was entered into the official registry as "Chasnel". Jeanne was too unwell to attend the registration, and Albert was registered as "travelling". Chanel went to her grave as Gabrielle Chasnel because legally correcting the misspelled name on her birth certificate would reveal that she was born in a poor house hospice.
Chanel grew up in a time when women were expected to wear confining pieces, but she had a different vision. Her goal was to design classy, comfortable garments that drew inspiration from menswear and practical necessity. Chanel's designs stressed simplicity and comfort, and they revolutionized the fashion industry. She is known for the Chanel suit, the quilted purse, costume jewellery, and the "little black dress". Chanel also introduced the iconic perfume Chanel No. 5.
Chanel acquired the nickname 'Coco' during her brief stint as a cabaret singer. One theory is that Chanel was dubbed 'Coco' after the songs she sang ("Ko Ko Ri Ko" and "Qui qu'a vu Coco dans l'Trocadéro?"). Another theory suggests that the name originated from the French word "cocotte", meaning, in loose translation, "prostitute" or "tart". It is speculated that Chanel re-appropriated the insult and made it her own.
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She acquired the nickname 'Coco' during her brief stint as a cabaret singer
Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, was born on 19 August 1883 in Saumur, France. She was born in a charity hospital run by the Sisters of Providence, a poorhouse. Chanel grew up in poverty and her mother died when she was 11 years old, after which she was sent to live in an orphanage in Aubazine. It was here that she learned to sew. At the age of 18, she moved to Moulins, where she attended school while living in a convent. During this time, she also worked as a seamstress and a cafe singer.
It was during this brief stint as a cabaret singer that she acquired the nickname "Coco". One theory is that the nickname derived from the songs she sang, "Ko Ko Ri Ko" and "Qui qu'a vu Coco dans l'Trocadéro?" or "Who Has Seen Coco?". Chanel herself often liked to say that the nickname was given to her by her father. However, the true origin of the nickname remains uncertain.
Coco Chanel went on to become one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century. She is known for several innovations, including the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume, the little black dress, the Chanel suit, the quilted purse, and costume jewellery. Her designs emphasised simplicity and comfort, revolutionising the fashion industry. Chanel's first shop opened in 1910 in Paris, where she sold hats. She also designed her famed interlocked-CC monogram, which has been in use since the 1920s.
Chanel was a prolific fashion creator, extending her influence beyond couture clothing into jewellery, handbags, and fragrance. She remained active as a fashion designer until her death on 10 January 1971, and her last collection was presented shortly after. Chanel's legacy continues to this day, with the company bearing her name still producing coveted clothing, jewellery, watches, and perfumes.
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Frequently asked questions
Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, was born in Saumur, France.
Chanel was born in a charity hospital run by the Sisters of Providence, a poorhouse.
Chanel's parents were Eugénie Jeanne Devolle Chanel, a laundrywoman, and Albert Chanel, a street vendor.
Chanel was a French fashion designer and businesswoman. She founded the Chanel brand, which extended beyond clothing into jewellery, handbags, and fragrance. She is also known for her iconic perfume, Chanel No. 5.
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