What is Coco Chanel's real name?
Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born in 1883 to Eugénie Jeanne Devolle Chanel and Albert Chanel.
True or False: There was an error in her name on her birth certificate that Coco Chanel never had fixed.
At birth, her last name was entered as “Chasnel” on the official registry, and her parents did not correct it. Chanel never corrected it as an adult for fear that her “poor roots” would be exposed.
True or False: Chanel often lied about her childhood.
Because she was embarrassed of her childhood, Chanel often told changing tales to make her life seem more luxurious.
What was Chanel's first job?
Chanel learned to sew during her time at an orphanage run by nuns, so she was able to find employment as a seamstress.
True or False: Chanel longed for a career on stage.
Chanel longer for a life of glamor and fame, and initially sought a career in theater. Though she was able to land a lot of auditions because of her looks, her talent for singing and dancing was lacking and she wasn't given many roles. She realized she needed to look for success elsewhere.
True or False: Chanel married 3 times during her lifetime.
Though she courted many men during her years and had several significant relationships, Chanel never married.
True or False: Chanel lived in the Hotel Ritz for many years.
Chanel took refuge at the Ritz during WWII, and stayed there for the remainder of her life.
True or False: Chanel is credited for the death of the corset for women.
Chanel redesigned what was fashionable for women as early as WWI. She is credited with the “death of the corset” and fashion became about ease, liberation, and youthfulness.
What wardrobe staple is credited to Chanel to this day?
The concept of the “Little Black Dress” is often cited as Chanel's lasting contribution to fashion.
What wardrobe staple is credited to Chanel to this day?
Allegations have recently emerged of Chanel being a Nazi sympathizer and supporter. Many feel very uncomfortable with this information because they do not want to tarnish her legacy.