Biography

(Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel) (sh n l´) (KEY) , 1883–1971, French fashion designer. She established her house of couture in Paris. An enormously influential designer from the mid-1920s, she was noted for simple jersey dresses and suits; perfumes; black or gray pullovers with white piqué collars and cuffs; box-jacket suits; costume jewelry; knit suits; trousers for women; textiles; and clothing generally designed for comfort. Among the most imitated of all designers she had a major resurgence of popularity beginning in 1954. Her fashion empire ranged from Chanel suits and quilted handbags with chains to costume jewelry and a textile house.
See P. Galante, Mademoiselle Chanel (tr. 1973); C. Baillén, Chanel Solitaire (tr. 1974), J. Wallach, Chanel (1998).

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