Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born in France in 1883. She is better known as the French fashion designer Coco Chanel. Her career as a businesswoman thrived in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries when few women ran their own companies. More than 100 years later, Chanel’s extensive line of products is available worldwide.

Women who attend formal events often wear a “little black dress.” This dress usually falls at or above the knee and has a stylish design. Coco Chanel, who loved the color black, developed this popular style. Chanel also developed a bestselling perfume called Chanel No. 5, which is still sold at department stores. The business suit was another staple of the Chanel brand. Women in Chanel’s era did not wear business suits, but trends started to change with her cutting-edge designs. Finally, the Chanel handbag bears the designer’s initials “CC” and features gold chain shoulder straps. Chanel’s creations were both attractive and innovative.

Coco Chanel said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” There is no doubt that Chanel was different and far ahead of her time.


Note: The views and opinions expressed in this passage do not necessarily reflect the beliefs of Renaissance Learning or any entities they represent.


Questions
How does the author feel about Coco Chanel?

The author likes Chanel’s fashions but not her perfume.

The author thinks Chanel’s impact on the fashion world did not last long.

The author admires Chanel for being a bold designer.

The author remembers Chanel as a good friend.