Mays Modecollege

Coco Chanel

This week I was in Paris, at the invitation of Chanel. We celebrated and praised the birth of a new perfume (really, really, really in stores in September), went to the couture show, danced with Pharrell under the watchful eye of Caroline de Maigret and Kirsten Stewart to name just a very few and stayed within burpy distance of the boutique.

For the occasion, I delved once again into Gabrielle Chanel. The woman whose looks are still relevant a hundred years later and the woman who was the only female in the fashion industry to land in the top 100 most influential people of the twentieth century. Gabrielle, the woman who continues to inspire us to this day. This is what you can learn from her.

1. Work with your thunder

Or as they say at Chanel: ‘conquer your independence, owe it to yourself alone. Work relentlessly and pursue elegance from sunrise to sunset. Nothing replaces work, no title, not nerve, not luck.’ Just put the pedal to the metal and keep going. Until your last breath.

2. Arrange your freedom yourself

Gabrielle certainly didn’t let anyone pin anything on her. A sun-kissed skin for poor people who had to work in the fields? Gabrielle found a tan beautiful and indulged herself in the French sun. Were pants only for men? Why? The idea. Just copy that stuff and wear it yourself. And also swing a leg on each side of the horse. Away with that awkward riding position. And why would you get married and have children? And why not just start your own empire? Think about what you want and arrange it the way you want.

3. Mix fake with real

Only expensive jewelry is a waste, Gabrielle thought. It really wasn’t necessary. Have some real pieces (haute joaillerie) but mix it nicely with the cheaper variant.

4. Make sure there is always a pearl near your face

It makes the white of your eyes and teeth whiter. Just look, it really works.

5. Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and leave one thing out

I must say I’m not very good at this last point. But you’re never too old to learn. Also a lesson from Gabrielle.