Orphaned French child Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883-1971) developed into a innovative and much-imitated designer, against all odds. Spurred on by her personal beliefs -- from the idea of form follows function to women's equality -- her early "sportswear" designs illuminated her approach to women's fashion throughout her lifetime. To wit: the luxury of simplicity combined with perfect workmanship and quality materials which refined and defined "Chanel style." Her favorite palette of colors are considered "basics” today: beige, black, navy blue, rich red and white. The Little Black Dress with which she has been credited for creating has remained so continuously popular and iconic through the decades since the post-WWI period when it debuted, that it is now simply referred to as an "LBD." This week, let's pay tribute to the legendary house of Chanel and its creator whose fascinating personality still intrigues and inspires. Share your genuine Chanel and Chanel-inspired items of all eras, revealing the Vintage Inspiration for today's reinvention of the brand: tweed, boucle, knitted or woven skirt suits, plaid suits; boxy cardigan-style jackets; LBD's, nautical stripes, berets, lace evening gowns, evening suits, pearls, gold chains, jewelry, logo buttons & button earrings, Camellias, quilted leather items, ballet flats, toe-capped shoes and bows. *please note, participation is for trade members only*
I have TOO many LBDS! 1950s Black Velvet Vintage Cocktail Party Dress 1950s Black Wiggle Dress - Vintage LBD Early 1960s Little Black Dress - Vintage LBD - Sack Dress 1950s Tight Black Dress - Black Sheath - Back Interest 1940s Black Crepe Dress - Vintage Cocktail Dress - Bodycon LBD
No actual Chanel right now, but these are in my Etsy shop. 60s Manor-Bourne jacket: Velvet hat by Rafield: 40s black rayon dress: Late 30s/early 40s Fashion Originators gown (with satin jacket):
From my shop and my sold archives: suit patterns inspired by the Chanel suit: Ringier 22763 - also featured in the spring/summer 1962 edition of their Journal de Mode. 1960s - Woman W434 Early 1960s evening/cocktail suit Vogue 4270 1960s - Butterick 2601 1958 - Vogue 4950
1980s-era Silvered Glass "Pearls" Double-strand Versatile Necklace 1950s Iridescent Flower Button Earrings with Rhinestone Accents (clip-on) 1950s Charcoal Tweed Clutch Purse w/ Convertible Gold Chain Handle (Previously SOLD at JazzbugJam-Etsy)
Not quite yet vintage - here are three Chanel items. From the Autumn 1999 collection - this evening gown Chanel Tulle with Metallic Thread Evening Gown - Autumn 1999 Chanel Tweed Suit with Aurora Sequins - Autumn 2003 Chanel Pant and Blouse Ensemble- Spring 2002 Nina Ricci Triple Strand Pearl Necklace 1960s Black and White Wool Tweed Ladies Jacket
Vintage Spring 1995 Chanel Logo Brooch 2 1/2-Inches 1980's Vintage Chanel Dangle Earrings With Logo Chanel Gold-Tone Bracelet With CC Logo - Circa 1980's - SOLD 1960's Custom Made Three-Piece Ensemble With Skirt, Coat And Scarf Flouncy 1920's Black All Lace Dress
Join the parade on our facebook page! (CLICK photo) CHANEL TODAY! (Chanel ad (partial scan) from print edition: Women's Wear Daily, Sept 2016, No. 3)