How To Buy Coco Chanel Clothing and Accessories

Born in Saumur, France, in 1883, Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel became one of the driving forces towards comfort and sensibility in women's fashion. Famous for fragrance and the 'little black dress', Coco Chanel died in 1971, and now Karl Lagerfield is in charge of design for the House of Chanel.

Chanel clothing and accessories are a true investment in good taste and quality. Before you shop, learn a bit more about Coco and the Chanel fashion line right here.

1. Coco Chanel started out with a small shop where she designed hats to sell to the elite women of society. Though she was born to a poor family, she hooked up with a couple of well-to-do boyfriends who helped her get her start in the fashion business.
2. The name "Coco" comes from a nickname Chanel used during a brief stint as a cabaret singer.
3. In the 1920's, Coco began combining elements of men's clothing with women's fashions. She designed shorter skirts and made clothing in roomier cuts to add a functionality that women found liberating, having been confined in corsets and restrictive garments for so long.
4. The famous fragrance Chanel No. 5 was created in 1921, and remains a popular scent even today.
5. Chanel's little black dress hit the runway in 1926. Since then, every fashion house has adopted their own version of the dress, and it is still featured in Chanel collections. Coco also designed business-like suits, handbags, and cardigans that became instant haute couture classics.
6. Coco Chanel died in 1971 at the age of 87. At the time, she was busy designing the garments for her next spring collection.
7. Today, Karl Lagerfield is the head designer for the House of Chanel. His designs are true to the vision Coco Chanel created with her sublime sense of style and quality.
8. The Chanel American flagship store can be found on 57th street in New York City. Here you'll find the full line of ready-to-wear clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry, and fragrance.
9. To find a store that carries Chanel clothing near you, use the Store Locator feature at the Chanel website.
10. Vintage Chanel pieces are collectors' items, and can be found at auction houses, fashion resellers, and even online. If you're planning to purchase a vintage item, have it looked at by a Chanel vendor to ensure it is a genuine article.
11. Chanel also designs and manufactures a line of eyewear that is both fashionable and practical. You can find these collections almost anywhere designer eyewear is sold.