COCO CHANEL



This year Coco Chanel's little black dress is celebrating its 90th year since being created in 1926.
In 1912-13, the actress Suzanne Orlandi was one of the first women to wear a Chanel little black dress, in velvet with a white collar. Some of it's other famous wearers' include Aubrey Hepburn, Elizabeth Taylor, Sophia Loren, and Marilyn Monroe. In more modern times, who will forget the American actress Angelina Jolie Pitt wearing that beautiful black dress at an award ceremony .
It is said that women used to wear black dresses while mourning...until the age of Coco Chanel. The LBD remained popular through the Great Depression. Chanel boasted during this difficult time that she had enabled the non-wealthy to 'walk around like millionaires'. Chanel started making little black dresses in wool or chenille for the day and in satin, crepe or velvet for the evening. Its silhouette has changed over the years but it is still considered a staple of a womens wardrope. A quote from Coco Chanel 'A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous'.
COCO CHANEL - JEWELLERY
Chanel created a line of jewellery that was a conceptual innovation, as her design and materials incorporated both sinulated and fine gem stones. This was a marked change in an era when jewellery was strictly categorized into either fine or costume jewellery. Her ideas were global, often inspired by designs of the Orient and Egypt. Wealthy clients who did not wish to wear their costly jewellery in public could wear Chanel turned costume jewellery into a coveted accessory - especially when worn in grand displays, as she did. Her inspiration often inspired by the opulent jewels and pearls given to her. Chanel raided her own jewel vault and partnered with Duke Fulco di Verdura to launch a 'House of Chanel' jewellery line. The fashionable and wealthy loved the creations and made the line extremely successful. However in 1933, designer Paul Iribe collaborated with Chanel in the creation of luxury jewellery pieces commissioned by the International Guild of Diamond Merchants. The collection, made exclusively in diamonds and platinum, was exhibited for public viewing. It proved very popular.
The LBD is sure to look superb. It can be dressed up or down. Worn with fine jewellry or pearls which can enhance your dress.
Always remember to have that 'Little Black Dress' ready in your wardrope.
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