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Chanel's characteristic use of jersey fabric, pants for women, that do not resemble the harem, the trademark quilted handbags, two-toned pumps, pearls and costume jewelry, the freedom of fluidity & movement in her jackets, the stark usefulness of neutral colors such as beige, white, black and navy and her philosophy of function vs. decoration have made Chanel an icon of the 20th century and a true liberator of women from the constrictive garments of La Belle Epoque. We owe her that much.
Her fragrances of course couldn't but follow her unerring sense of style. The famous Chanel no.5 was followed by many others, notably No.19 commemorating her birthday on August 19th. This is what I am wearing myself today, reveling in both its sharp galbanum and vetiver cutting through the humidity (thick like it could be cut with a knife) and luxurious enough with its orris background.
So in her own honor, please find some related articles of mine on her style, beauty advice, iconography and of course perfumes.
And please share your own experiences with Chanel beauty & perfumes in the comments!
Coco by Chanel: fragrance review
Chanel No.19 & Heure Exquise: Twin Peaks
On Classifying Chanel No.19 & perfume review
What's the True Story of Chanel No.5?
Cultural history: Exposition Chanel
Chanel No.5 Through the Years
Chanel No.46: fragrance review & history
I Don't Want to Set the World on Fire: Imaginative Fantasies
Chanel Les Exclusifs Misia: fragrance review [And a collective Chanel Les Exclusifs link.]