Born on 19 August 1883 in Saumur, France, Coco Chanel (née Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel) was the epitome of a self-made woman. Despite her humble beginnings, she quickly rose through the Parisian fashion ranks and became one of the most influential designers of the 20th century.
Today, her signature creations (the Chanel suit, the Little Black Dress, and quilted handbag) are still sought-after fashion staples. And her perfume, Chanel No. 5, is the world’s best-selling scent of modern history.
We’ve pulled together 16 of her most brilliant quotes on everything from life, style, love and ageing. Get ready to be truly inspired.
1. On being yourself
‘A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.’
2. On fashion
‘Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street. Fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.’
3. On being unique
‘In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.’
4. On ageing
‘You can be gorgeous at 30, charming at 40 and irresistible for the rest of your life.’
5. On finding who you are
‘How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something but to be someone.’
6. On true wealth
‘There are people who have money and people who are rich.’
7. On her self-image
‘I don’t do fashion, I am fashion.’
8. On taking control
‘My life didn’t please me, so I created my life.’
9. On refinement
‘Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance.’
10. On humour
‘You live but once; you might as well be amusing.’
11. On being memorable
‘Dress shabbily and they remember the dress; dress impeccably and they remember the woman.’
12. On courage
‘The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.’
13. On fragrance
‘Where should one use perfume? Wherever one wants to be kissed.’
14. On determination
‘Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.’
15. On luxury
‘Some people think luxury is the opposite of poverty. It is not. It is the opposite of vulgarity.’
16. On style
‘Fashion changes, but style endures.’
