Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883–1971) and the House of Chanel | Essay | The Metropolitan Museum of Art | Heilbrunn Timeline of Art History
Coco Chanel: 1883-1971; The French fashion designer Coco Chanel ruled over Parisian haute couture for almost six decades. Her elegantly casual designs inspired women of fashion to abandon the complicated, uncomfortable clothes - such as petticoats and corsets - that were prevalent in 19th century dress. Among her now-classic innovations were the Chanel suit, costume jewelry, and the little black dress.