A classic is born

Chanel’s new fragrance

the world knew her by her nickname, but before she became famous for changing fashion forever, Mademoiselle Chanel wasn’t Coco. She was Gabrielle – an orphan with the odds stacked against her.

Raised in grinding poverty and taught to sew by nuns in the convent where she grew up, the young Gabrielle was expected to make her way through life as a humble seamstress. Instead, the determined and talented beauty took those lessons and made her way, step by ambitious step, from the village of Saumur to bustling Paris in a rags-to-riches tale that still resounds a century since she founded her wildly desirable brand.

“I have chosen the person I wanted to be and am,” said the woman who gave us the little black dress, trousers for women, great tweeds, ropes of pearls, striped sailor shirts, jersey knits, and a host of other beautiful and instantly recognisable legacies. And this month, the house of Chanel is launching a scent that honours that vulnerable, fiery and ambitious talent. Its name? Gabrielle CHANEL.

“I have chosen the person I wanted to be and am.” – Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel