Chanel was born in 1883 and spent much of her childhood in an orphanage in France, being brought up by nuns.
1910 Originally called ‘Gabrielle Chanel’ this now world famous house was founded by its namesake in 1910 at 21 rue Cambon in Paris. Gabrielle was known to all her friends, and subsequently the world, as ‘Coco’.
1921 Chanel launched No5, the first perfume from a couturier. She sought a fragrance that moved away from the light floral scents available at the time. She was presented with 14 samples of a revolutionary musky scent and she chose number 5, hence the name.
Chanel opens at 31 rue Cambon
1927-1933 Duke Fulco di Verdura assists Chanel with her jewellery designs. She delights in having a member of the aristocracy in her service. Jewellery was important to Chanel, she was often seen in numerous rows of pearls. Her jewellery was made with inexpensive materials, semi-precious stones and the like.
1930 Fulco di Verdura designs the 'Maltese cross' theme
1932 Chanel launched her first diamond jewellery collection 'Bijoux de Diamants' in her Paris mansion at 29 Faubourg Saint-Honoré.
1935 Chanel now employs 4000 workers and owns 5 buildings on rue Cambon. She is also notorious for her low wages.
1939-1945 During the occupation of Paris Chanel closes her boutique
1954 Aged 71 Chanel returns to haute couture
1971 Coco Chanel dies at her apartment in the Ritz.
1987 Chanel launched their first collection of watches.
1993 Creation of the 'Haute Joaillerie' line. Today, this activity around the world combines the symbols dear to Coco Chanel with a constantly renewed creativity.
