Cheap and nasty Costume Jewelry - the influence of Coco Chanel

Coco Chanel is one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion. Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel in 1883 in Saumur, France, Chanel was a pioneering designer who revolutionized the way women dressed. She was particularly influential in the field of costume jewelry, using it to elevate and accessorize her designs in a way that had never been done before.

Chanel was orphaned at a young age and spent much of her childhood in a convent. She later moved to a boarding house for young women, where she learned to sew and began making hats. In 1908, she opened a shop in Paris called Chanel Modes, which sold hats and other accessories.

Chanel's early designs were notable for their simplicity and elegance. She favored clean lines and classic, neutral colors, and her use of jersey fabric set her apart from other designers of the time, who were more likely to use stiff, formal materials like silk and satin.

One of the key ways in which Chanel revolutionized fashion was through her use of costume jewelry. Prior to Chanel, costume jewelry was seen as cheap and tacky, something that only the lower classes wore. But Chanel saw the potential for costume jewelry to be used as a way to add interest and flair to an outfit, and she began incorporating it into her designs in a way that was both sophisticated and stylish.

Chanel's use of costume jewelry was particularly influential in the 1920s, when she launched her first collection of costume jewelry. This collection featured a range of necklaces, earrings, and other pieces made from a variety of materials, including glass beads, semiprecious stones, and metal. The pieces were designed to be worn in a casual, relaxed way, with multiple pieces often worn together to create a bold, eye-catching look.

Chanel's costume jewelry was an instant hit, and it helped to establish her as a leading figure in the world of fashion. Her use of costume jewelry inspired other designers to follow her lead, and it played a major role in popularizing the use of costume jewelry in high fashion. Today, costume jewelry is an integral part of many fashion collections, and it is widely accepted as a legitimate form of fashion accessory.

In addition to her contributions to the world of fashion, Coco Chanel is also remembered for her influence on women's liberation. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and was instrumental in popularizing the "boyish" look that characterized the flapper style of the 1920s. With her relaxed, easy-to-wear clothing and her use of costume jewelry, Chanel helped to pave the way for a new, more independent and empowered image of womanhood.

In conclusion, Coco Chanel was a revolutionary designer who had a profound impact on the world of fashion. Her use of costume jewelry helped to elevate it from a cheap and tacky accessory to a legitimate form of fashion, and her designs continue to inspire and influence fashion designers today.