Coco Chanel, A Spirited Woman Before Her Time

Perhaps it is just me, but I seem to see Chanel No 5 all over the place this holiday season. It is amazing that a fragrance created over 80 years ago is still at the top of its game so many decades later. Of course having gorgeous spokeswomen like Nicole Kidman does not hurt the publicity nor did Marilyn Monroe's stating that she only wore Chanel No 5 to bed, hinder sales in the 1950s, au contraire!  What is most fascinating about this timeless fragrance though, is most probably Coco Chanel, the woman who had the perfume created for her very famous fashion house, Chanel.

The name Coco Chanel is still spoken with awe and fascination in many fashion circles. If ever a woman could be called Spirited, Coco Chanel fit the title to a T.

Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel in August 1883, Coco's childhood was less than ideal. At the young age of 12, she lost her mother and her father had to leave his children to find work to continue to support his family. Coco and her two sisters were put in an orphanage while her two younger brothers were sent to work on a farm. Fortune smiled on Coco though and thanks to the needlework she learned from the sisters at the orphanage, she was employed at the age of 18 by a local tailor who recognized her already impressive talent.

Coco's beauty and spirited temperament drew plenty of male admirers including millionaire Etienne Balsan. He helped Coco set up her first shop in Paris. Though this first shop failed, Coco was not discouraged and held to the belief that this was her destiny.  She soon met up with one of her great loves, Arther "Boy" Capel, who helped her open her second shop in Brittany, France. This was the true beginning of the Chanel empire.

Though Coco had her ups and downs she remained determined and true to her passions. She redefined how women dressed and was known for her independent way of thinking. She was quoted as saying, "The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud." Her courage helped make her one of the most famous names ever in fashion and the house of Chanel is still synonymous with luxury, fashion and absolute style.

Coco Chanel had her share of scandal during her lifetime but her feistiness and dedication to her beliefs carried her through. Though some of her actions may have been questionable, it can not be denied that Coco was one Spirited Woman who always stayed true to herself. Perhaps she summed her life up best when she said, "Success is often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable."

To your Spirited Style,

- Dawn Z Bournand  www.fabulouslysuccessful.com
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