Coco V Schiap

Coco Chanel (Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel) (1883–1971)

Revolutionized women’s fashion by introducing comfort, simplicity, and masculine-inspired fabrics

Coco Chanel Early Life

Grew up in an orphanage where nuns taught her to sew; nickname “Coco” came from singing in cabarets

Chanel Breakthrough

Became a millionaire in the 1920s designing luxury hats

Chanel Signature Pieces

Jacket, costume jewelry, little black dress, perfume, and handbag

Chanel Fabric Innovation

Introduced menswear fabrics like jersey and tweed into women’s fashion

Little Black Dress (Chanel)

Timeless fashion staple popularized by Chanel

Chanel No. 5

Iconic perfume and one of the most famous fragrances in fashion history

Chanel Style Identity

Classic yet controversial; masculine yet feminine aesthetic

Sun Tanning Trend (Chanel Influence)

Tanning became fashionable after being associated with luxury leisure

Elsa Schiaparelli (1890–1973)

Italian designer known for surrealist, artistic, and experimental fashion

Schiaparelli Background

Born into an academic Italian family; considered herself an artist, not a seamstress

Schiaparelli in Paris

Opened a boutique in Paris influenced by avant-garde art

Surrealism Influence

Inspired by Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau

Schiaparelli Design Style

Playful, shocking, artistic fashion with surrealist elements

Shocking Pink (Schiaparelli)

Bold signature color associated with her designs

Fashion Innovations (Schiaparelli)

Use of zippers and unconventional design details

Worker Rights Improvements (Fashion Industry)

Included chairs with backs, ventilation, healthcare access, paid vacations, and canteens

Pre-War Textiles

Natural fibers such as silk, wool, cotton, and linen

Synthetic Fibers (1950s)

New materials changed fashion production and affordability

Key 1950s Fabrics

Acrylics, polyester, triacetate, and spandex

1950s Youth Culture Fashion

Rebellious styles influenced by rock and roll and postwar identity shifts

1950s Youth Clothing Items

Leather jackets, t-shirts, denim jeans, work boots

1950s Style Contrasts

Fitted tees vs plaid shirts; rolled jeans vs trousers; leather jackets vs letterman jackets

1950s Footwear Trends

Converse, creepers, winkle pickers vs saddle shoes and loafers

1950s Style Icons

Marlon Brando, Cary Grant, Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn