Chanel, iconic glasses for strong women.
One thing we can say about the legendary Mademoiselle Chanel is that she revolutionised the codes of fashion. Driven by a fierce desire to modernise everything she touched, she made her wardrobe a treasure chest of women's accessories, which could almost be mistaken for pieces of jewellery.
An avant-garde milliner.
Young Gabrielle, orphaned by the age of 12, started her career in 1910, after training as a seamstress. Chanel Modes was then a Parisian boutique selling hats. Beyond respectability, the talented Coco Chanel felt the need for emancipation and was constantly seeking to liberate women's bodies. Determined and assertive, she imposed her clothing lines from Deauville to Biarritz to Cannes, all in just a few short years. The fairer sex were falling for the avant-gardism of Chanel creations, and at the same time, Coco's natural impertinence was causing quite a stir in high society.
Coco Chanel, who loved taking classic men's designs and appropriating them, boldly created tweed suits, trousers for women and cardigans and dared to used uniform buttons on her creations. With its widely renowned sets, the signature of the label with the intertwined Cs was a playful mix of black and white, and refined cuts. Karl Lagerfield, creative director since 1983, has remained faithful to the brand's essence. Chanel's timeless fashion has dressed figures from across the ages, including Marilyn Monroe, Catherine Deneuve, Carole Bouquet, Claudia Schiffer, Kate Moss and Diane Kruger.
Legendary, must-have accessories.
There are too many iconic Chanel pieces to count, but the accessories designed to embellish the label's outfits are entitled to special consideration. Among Chanel's sunglasses, the undisputed reference is still the trend for outsized, that emanates refinement and confidence. Shape-wise, they are rectangular, round, square, oval or butterfly-style. Prints are crocodile, leopard or python-inspired. Like works of jewellery, certain signature models are proud to wear the interlacing Cs, coming in different colours and rhinestone versions. Frames from other collections are enhanced with the timeless quilted look, straight from the haute couture lines. As for the arms of the Chain series, they are, of course, reminiscent of the straps of the legendary 2.55 Chanel handbag. The classics are revisited as well, an example being the Aviator range, with its subtle air of summery masculinity.
The quintessence of French chic, the prestigious label reflects the state of mind of the visionary Coco Chanel in each one of its creations. The accessory is the secret to bringing a small touch of sophistication to Chanel outfits, without undermining their simple elegance. Among the most emblematic sunglasses designed by the house of Chanel, we'll remember: