In the fashion industry, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is a cut above the rest. To wit: When Time magazine came out with its “100 Persons of the Century,” she was the sole fashion figure to make the list. She was a pioneering designer who simplified silhouettes down to their bare minimum, freeing women from corsetry and infusing menswear sensibilities into her patterns and fabric selections. She was first to use cotton jersey in womenswear, introduced the little black dress, and made bouclé jackets and skirts a style staple. Now, more than a century since she opened her maison, Chanel’s legacy continues to inspire.
Indeed, her life—just as much as her work—has been the subject of books, films, television shows, and other forms of media. The company she kept, the path she took to garnering success, and the musings she imparted throughout her lifetime are still carefully examined by fashion fans. From fashion and beauty to love and wealth, we’ve rounded up the best quotes from one the most insightful women in history.
This article originally appeared on Harper’s BAZAAR US.
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