Born in 1883 in Saumur, France, Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel opened a Parisian millinery shop in the early 1900s, and by the 1920s she was revolutionizing the world of women's fashion. In an era of corsets she offered a liberating alternative: relaxed and comfortable fashion. Her enduring styles include trousers for women, the signature "little black dress" and her classic "Chanel suit" composed of a knee-length skirt and trim, boxy jacket.

Additionally, she's credited with designing the first shoulder bag. Debuting in February 1955, it was named the "2.55 Bag" - after the month and year of its introduction.

Celebrated among the artists of her time, the writer Jean Cocteau said of her, "She has, by a kind of miracle, worked in fashion according to rules that would seem to have value only for painters, musicians, poets." A sentiment that proves as timeless as her designs.

Under the creative leadership of Karl Lagerfeld since 1983, the House of Chanel continues to set the standard for designer quality and desirability.