Fashion Fete

With her first shop in 1912, Coco Chanel first put herself on the fashion world's map for the first time. Her new shop didn't just sell hats, but sportswear made of jersey. As the Chanel website noted, this was the first time jersey had been used in sports clothing for women — and, of course, it's still used to this day.
As Chanel's fame grew, she expanded her business to include a couture shop in Biarritz in 1915. With a new staff of 300, Chanel produced her first Haute Couture collection that year. Her collection was a success. … Chanel filled a gap in the market as her simple, modern designs were perfect for women during the First World War, many of whom were volunteering and working more than ever before. Chanel catered to the contemporary woman and helped to move fashion past the corsetry and layers of the 1800s and into the 20th century.” – Meg Walters (thelist.com)

How Coco Chanel Changed The World Of Fashion - The List Coco Chanel has gone down in the hearts — and pocketbooks — of people around the world. Here's how Coco Chanel changed the world of fashion.