Unveiling the Hidden Hobbies and Interests of Coco Chanel
Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel is a household name in the fashion industry. Founder of the iconic fashion brand, Chanel, she revolutionized the industry with her designs that focused on simplicity, comfort, and elegance. But did you know that she had a life outside of fashion? Coco Chanel had several hobbies and interests that played an important role in her personal and professional life. Let’s take a look at some of them.
Horseriding: A Passion for Freedom
Coco Chanel was an avid horse rider with a passion for freedom. She believed that “luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury”, and this philosophy extended to her love for horses. She was an exceptional equestrian who could ride horses with utmost grace and control. Chanel often referenced horses in her clothing designs, blending elements of equestrian detailing into her clothing line.
Coco’s Love for Reading and Writing
Coco Chanel was also an avid reader and writer, who penned several letters and poems throughout her life. Her love for literature and writing was evident in the way she expressed herself through her fashion designs. Take her iconic suit, for example. The tweed fabric that made up the skirt and jacket was inspired by the masculine suits worn by men during the time of Coco’s youth. The fabrics were handpicked by Chanel herself, as she believed that the fabric should be comfortable and practical, yet still stylish.
Gardening: A Creative Outlet for Coco
Coco Chanel found inspiration in nature and was known to love gardening. Her love for gardening didn’t come from having an extensive garden, but rather from her interest in cultivating, nurturing and observing plants. She loved working with flowers and would often incorporate floral designs into her fashion creations. Chanel’s passion for the classics – the white camellia being one of her favorites – is evident in the Chanel’s iconic designs.
Affinity for Pearls
Coco Chanel is known for her signature pearls, which she wore everywhere and incorporated into her fashion designs. Chanel had a simple explanation behind her love for pearls, calling them “the queen of gems and the gem of queens”. According to Chanel, pearls represented elegance and simplicity, reflecting her design philosophy.
Conclusion
Coco Chanel’s hobbies and interests might have been overlooked by many, but they played a crucial role in who she was as a person and a designer. Her love for nature, horses, reading, writing, and pearls all influenced her creativity and design philosophy. By exploring these aspects of Coco’s life, we can gain a better understanding of the individual who shaped fashion history.
