Biography of Coco Chanel

French fashion designer (1883-1971), worked as a milliner until 1912 and following service as a nurse during World War I, opened a couture house in Paris. She revolutionised women's fashions during the 1920s, her designs including the 'chemise' dress, the collarless cardigan jacket, and the 'little black dress'. Her designer perfume Chanel No. 5 became the ultimate status symbol.

Chanel retired in 1938 but made a successful comeback in 1954 and her innovations such as the vogue for costume jewellery and the evening scarf have maintained their popularity.