CHANEL! review "fashion awards 08"

In honour of Chanel winning "Best Overseas Brand" in the "Fashion's Sweethart 2008 Awards" here is a quick review of the brand's history.

The designer label Chanel was founded in 1909 by fabulous designer Coco Chanel, who nurtured the brand until her death in 1971, aged 87. Chanel always kept the clothing she designed simple. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel was a Leo, how cool is that? The same star sign as myself!


Coco began selling hats in a shop in her apartment building. Arthur Capel became her business partner by 1910 and helped her open another store to get more sales. Coco then began selling clothing such as blazers and skirts (think flapper style) during the First World War.


Parfums Chanel was founded in 1924 by Pierre Wertheimer and Coco. It sold beauty products and perfumes, such as "Chanel. No 5". The chanel perfume "Chanel No.5" has been advertised using spokewomen such as Marilyn Monroe and Nicole Kidman. During the Nazi's time in France (1930's-1950's) Chanel didn't make much money, but sales boosted from the 1950's to early 1970's. Business was good.


In February 1955 Chanel's most popular item was introduced to the public. The Chanel Quilted Leather Handbag (also known as the Chanel 2.55). Jacques Wertheimer (son of Pierre) bought Chanel after when Coco died in 1971, although it had originally been left to Yvonne Dudel, Jean Cazaubon and Philippe Guibourge. This only lasted three years however as his son Alain took over in 1974, and asked Karl Lagerfeld to leave Chloe so he could design for Chanel.


Lagerfeld took over in 1983 as Chief Designer and has been this ever since. During the 80's he opened more than 40 stores worldwide, including Australia. Today there are more than 200 stores worldwide. I was lucky enough to visit the Sydney one in early October this year. Two levels of pure genius. One of my friends was suprised to hear it had more security than Tiffany & Co. in Brisbane.

I love the fact that two of my favourite actresses have starred in Chanel ads.



This is the best advertisement ever! It stars Nicole Kidman and was directed by none other than Baz Lurhmann. Can't you see the Moulin Rouge touch? It's amazing!



My amazing Keira!!! This is her ad for the perfume designed in memory of Coco Chanel.

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These are some other Videos, by other actresses. If you have a spare moment why not watch?





The original with Marilyn Monroe! It's so funny.

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