Coco Chanel Biography in Business

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FEATURING: Coco Chanel Biography in Business

(August 19, 1883 – January 10, 1971)

Gabrielle (Coco) Chanel, one of the most famous women entrepreneurs of 20th century

Coco Chanel Biography in Business - Gaining Experience

Chanel was often criticized for the lack of technical knowledge and very autocratic style of management. No one could deny, however, her strong business sense, which was acquired by her in a process of learning and gaining experience. In the beginning of her career the role of her partner Boy Capel was invaluable. He provided not only capital invested in her first boutiques, but also the strong business back-up for her. Coco Chanel wrote about him: “For me he was brother, father, my whole family.”

Coco Chanel was known for her methods of working: she never sketched her designs on paper, preferring to work with the fabric directly on the body. Her mannequins had to stand exhaustingly long hours while she fitted the models. Some had to be altered 10 times. Coco was reported to have been almost obsessive about the sleeves of her designs, trying to achieve the perfect cut for the ease of movement, and without distorting the line of the garment... The fashion press would endlessly praise the functionality of her designs, which enabled her clients wear them throughout the whole day.

Coco Chanel Biography in Business - the Genius of Chanel

According to the people who knew her, Chanel genius lay in her ability to pay much attention to details, both in her designs and in business. She successfully learnt one of the most important component of success: finding people who could provide the necessary skills for her business, and getting the best out of them. Chanel exploited nearly every possibility available to her and to her business: the war shortages which may have led her to her investment in jersey, her famous and influential friends, and even the economic situation which drew the society to the resorts of Deauville and Biarritz, where she opened her boutiques, the decision that consequently made her internationally famous.

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