Douglas Kirkland's best photograph: Coco Chanel at work in Paris, 1962, Photography

In the fourth instalment of BoF’s fashion history series, we meet the creator of the ‘little black dress,’ who took her cues from a country in mourning. Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel, the designer doyenne who founded fashion’s most famous house, used her lovers’ money to establish herself and rewrote the rulebook with her mannish collections.

Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel (1883-1971)

Who is Coco Chanel? Here are some facts to know about the iconic designer behind the little black dress and Marilyn Monroe's favorite perfume.

Who Is Coco Chanel? 12 Facts About the Iconic Designer

  We know her for her iconic suits, Chanel No.5 and the Little Black Dress, but Coco Chanel has so much more of an inspirational story than turning the fashion industry on its head. Orphaned at the age of 12 in France, Coco, (once named Gabrielle!) reinvented herself to move away from the common lifestyles.. It was during this time at an covent-ran orphanage that she would find her love of opulence and baroque style, inspired by the religious garments worn by those in the church. Come 17, Coco became a seamstress and but also sing at night for military men She slowly started to make a name for herself, dressing like no one else in her own designs, taking inspiration from masculine attire. Not just her style, she was known for rebellious acts against gender stereotypes, like refusing the

C IS FOR COCO CHANEL - WHO RUN THE WORLD? - The Little Homie AU

11,525 Coco Chanel Photos & High Res Pictures - Getty Images

Coco Chanel: The Orphan Who Transformed Fashion : NPR

Coco Chanel Photos Through the Years: Her Evolution From 1910s-1960s – WWD

White, black, gold, beige and red were the keynote colours of the French designer’s creations

Coco Chanel's colours

If Coco Chanel were to give a masterclass on design, creativity and attitude, what wisdom would she impart? Discover the life, work and legacy of Chanel in this sharply curated biography focusing on artistic spirit. Chanel’s ethos captured the imagination of post-war women, releasing them from the corseted silhouette and changing what we wore forever. […]

What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion - New Mags

Coco Chanel Special Edition - By Megan Hess (hardcover) : Target