Just what makes some people great designers?  In an age where Steve Jobs has become synonymous with Creative Genius, I found it interesting to read about somebody with an arguably greater impact on how we live today: Coco Chanel.

Whatever you may think of the Chanel products of today, Coco Chanel epitomized the trend that made women dress like Grace Kelly (and Audrey Hepburn and Jackie Kennedy and Princess Diana … you get the idea) rather than Queen Victoria.  She is famous for many of the staples of modern fashion, including the little black dress, women’s trousers, the white pearl necklace, and the shoulder bag.  She’s even credited with making tanning popular.

Chanel’s complex life has inspired numerous movies, including Coco Before Chanel and Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky.  There are also many lavish fashion books about her, such as Assouline’s Chanel 3-Book Set.

The Gospel According to Coco Chanel, however, took me through quirkier journey with her, interspersing her (in)famous quotes with the story of her life:

Through her rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches-again tale, you get to see her intensely focused vision, which practically cut her off from the rest of the world, and her unyielding determination to see that vision through.

The quotes alone should give you a good idea of what she was like:

“The most courageous act is still to think for yourself.  Aloud.“

“Gentleness doesn’t get work done, unless you happen to be a hen laying eggs.“

“Don’t spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.“

“Money is a good servant and a bad master.“

“There is time for work, and time for love.  That leaves no other time.“

“The answer isn’t to climb down but to climb higher.“

Like this post? Sign up for our email list to get news and special offers!