Chanel revolutionized haute couture fashion by completely replacing the traditional corset with the comfort and casual elegance of simple suits and dresses. She introduced to the world her signature cardigan jacket in 1925, introducing a more sultry and seductive definition to “sexy.” She had numerous other major successes that changed the fashion industry including the ever popular "'Chanel suit'", an elegant creation composed of a knee-length skirt and trim, boxy jacket, traditionally made of woven wool with black sewing trim and gold buttons, worn with large costume-pearl necklaces. Elite women of high societies around the world began to flock to the now legendary Rue Cambon boutique to commission couture outfits from her. The House of Chanel became an icon of elegance and from then on, the name “Chanel” became synonymous to elegance, wealth, and elitism, as well as the ultimate sign of French high class, la coquetterie. After No. 5, Coco Chanel's fashions became even more well-known and were purchased by the high flyers of London and Paris society alike. Chanel took to living at the Hôtel Ritz Paris, and her suite of residence has become famous and is now named the "Coco Chanel Suite." Chanel is also known for its quilted fabric which also has a "secret" quilting pattern sewn at the back to keep the material strong. This material is used for clothing and accessories alike. The brand is now headed by German-born designer Karl Lagerfeld, who had previously designed for the House of Fendi.

1909

Gabriel Chanel opened a little milliners shop in Paris, at 160 boulevard Malesherbes.

1910

Chanel relocated to 21rue Cambon, where she remained for more than 50 years, throughout her years of glorious success.

1913

Chanel opened second shop in Deauville.

1916

Chanel opened third shop in Biarritz.

1921

The chemist Ernest Beaux offered her five formulae for perfumes, one of which became Chanel N° 5, still the top selling perfume in the world today.

1924

Coco Chanel and Pierre Wertheimer, the director of BOURJOIS, developed the perfume business together.

1935

She reached her most glorious peak, and all the crowned heads and celebrities of the time could be seen at rue Cambon. Coco CHANEL headed a workforce of over 4,000.

1939

Right at the start of the war, CHANEL decided to close and lay off her staff. She tried, by various dubious manoeuvres, but failed to secure, the exclusive rights to every perfume that bore her name, in the absence of the Wertheimer family, in exile in the United States. Following her arrest, Mademoiselle CHANEL retired to Switzerland for the next few years.

1954

Coco CHANEL re-opened in the rue Cambon and ceded the control of the couture house to Pierre Wertheimer, who forgave her, knowing that without Gabrielle Chanel, there would be no CHANEL.

1971

Gabrielle CHANEL died on 10 January at the RITZ Hotel, where she lived near to the rue Cambon, leaving a veritable empire behind her.