Fashion enterprise · France · 1883–1971
Coco Chanel Life & Career Timeline
Jersey, perfume, the little black dress and a radically simplified wardrobe.
18 MomentsGet your own timeline now — free
18831896190919221935194819611971
CCCoco ChanelFashion enterprise · France
← Drag, scroll or swipe through the timeline →
About this timeline
About Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel turned practical design and a controlled public image into one of fashion’s most enduring businesses, alongside a contested wartime record.
Page updated
Choose any Moment on the timeline to read its story, see why it matters and continue to the original source. Connected Moments open the other person’s timeline.
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team.
Coco Chanel biography
Coco Chanel timeline: key events
Explore 18 documented Moments in chronological order. Read the dates, locations and source references below. Where available, additional context explains why a milestone matters.
Born in Saumur
Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born in the Loire Valley.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frAubazine orphanage
After her mother’s death, Chanel learned sewing in a convent orphanage.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frWorks as seamstress
Sewing work and café performances preceded her fashion career.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frChanel Modes opens
With financial backing, Chanel opened a millinery boutique at 21 rue Cambon.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frDeauville boutique
Relaxed sportswear drew on jersey and challenged restrictive fashion.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frBiarritz couture house
A successful house established Chanel as an independent designer.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frJersey modernism
Simple lines and practical knit fabrics defined a new language of women’s dress.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frChanel No. 5
Perfumer Ernest Beaux created the abstract aldehydic fragrance launched under Chanel’s name.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frThéophile Bader and Wertheimer partnership
A commercial partnership scaled perfume production and distribution.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frLes Parfums Chanel
Pierre Wertheimer and partners formed the perfume company with Chanel.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frThe little black dress
A simple black design was promoted as a versatile modern uniform.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frDesigns for Hollywood
Samuel Goldwyn brought Chanel to create screen wardrobes.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frPeak couture operation
Chanel employed thousands at the height of her pre-war business.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frCouture house closes
At the outbreak of war, Chanel closed most operations while perfume continued.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frQuestioned after Liberation
French authorities questioned Chanel over her wartime associations; she was released without charge.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frReturns to couture
At seventy, Chanel reopened her fashion house after years in Switzerland.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frThe 2.55 handbag
A quilted shoulder bag combined practicality with a recognisable visual code.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frDies in Paris
Chanel died at the Ritz while preparing another collection.
Source: www.palaisgalliera.paris.frExplore related timelines
This educational timeline is not endorsed by or affiliated with Coco Chanel or their representatives. Event text is original editorial copy based on the linked sources.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons contributor · Licence shown on source file
Schools, fan clubs & cultural organisations
Help maintain this public story.
Bring knowledge, archives and a community together around a carefully sourced timeline.
Quick answers
About the Coco Chanel timeline
Who is Coco Chanel?
Coco Chanel turned practical design and a controlled public image into one of fashion’s most enduring businesses, alongside a contested wartime record.
How many moments are included?
This public timeline currently contains 18 sourced moments spanning 1883–1971.
Who maintains this timeline?
This public timeline is created and maintained by Memmie Editorial Team. Schools, clubs and cultural organisations can apply to become timeline partners.
Your life deserves its own story.
Bring your photographs, videos and most important Moments together in one beautiful timeline.
Start your own life story now — free