Chanel

The world-famous brand Chanel got its start as a milliner's store opened by former cabaret singer Coco Chanel in 1909. In 1910, she opened the shop Chanel Modes at 21 rue Cambon, and gradually expanded past hats into other items of clothing. Coco Chanel served as her own best advertisement, becoming increasingly popular with women across France and opening a string of stores all over the country. The stores were shuttered due to the outbreak of World War II, buy Chanel reemerged as a couture brand in in 1954, gaining popularity in the United States. After the death of Coco Chanel in 1971 the brand went through a prolonged slump, but bounced back with the appointment of Karl Lagerfeld as chief designer, growing in esteem and popularity.

The groundbreaking impact of Chanel was a reflection of Coco Chanel's own liberated lifestyle, which scandalized contemporaries but resonated with many young women of her time. Chanel liberated women from the constraints and confines of corsetry and petticoated skirts, creating easy, wearable looks by looking to what men were wearing - incorporating British tailoring into her looks, and re-purposing cotton jersey to make slinky dresses. Chanel is often said to have popularized pants for women. The brand is practically synonymous with its generations of glamorous fans, with perhaps the most famous being Marilyn Monroe and her devotion to Chanel No. 5.

Chanel currently offers a stunning variety of products, with deep archives of iconic looks and motifs. One popular product is the Matelassé watch, with its signature quilt-look strap and matching case. The elegant Première series of watches is also popular. Chanel suits are another fashion classic that remains popular for their timeless design, with the quintessential Chanel skirt suit being made from tweed with braided trim around the pockets and collar. Coco Chanel was particularly fond of beige, and this color remains popular for Chanel suits to this day.