As Coco Chanel said, “A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous!” In an important time to honor women, I would like to look to the wonderfully talented, style guru, and female icon Coco Chanel on her birthday, August 19. As a major fashion figure and empowered woman, she inspired many to have a sense of taste, poise, and style in their everyday lives. I’m a girl who likes “tootsie” shoes, to dress up in fine linens in the summer and cashmere in the winter. And while I may not go out and purchase Chanel on the spot, I can surely admire the elegant feel and glamorous designs.
French fashion designer and businesswoman, Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel, is as timeless as it gets. Coco’s famed Chanel No. 5 perfume, classic suits, and little black dresses showcased elegance with revolutionary design, making her a legend in the fashion world. Her iconic take on the color black, turning it into something chic yet simple, like her little black dress, is something that will never go out of style – us ladies can all thank Coco for that fashionable contribution. Above and beyond stylish, she was a determined, confident, and modern woman who did not take no for an answer, which is why she is still such an icon today!
While her success and fame seem to take precedence when remembering Coco, there are a few things that people often forget about her that were not so glamorous. After her mother died, she became an orphan, working as a peddler and was raised by nuns who taught her to sew, which inevitably played a key role in her lifelong career. She also was a singer for a brief time, where her nickname “Coco” was coined from a song she would perform – a shortened version of Cocotte, the French word meaning ‘kept woman.’ And if her beginnings weren’t as surprising as you may have thought, one thing that might shock you – as for me too – was her potential affiliation to the Nazi party. Some believe her relationship with a Nazi officer during the German occupation of France made her a collaborator – some would even say a spy. Although she was never officially charged as one, this is still up for some debate depending on how people want to remember her.
And while I applaud and admire Coco’s work in fashion, and continue to be surprised by her many experiences, I would not be able to celebrate her special day without remembering her biggest fan, my mother - Margaret Muir McIlveen. Just like Coco Chanel, my mother adored fashion and the artistry that came with it. As a young lady aspiring in fashion, she worked at a prominent women’s clothing store in New Orleans. Surrounded by ready-to-wear and designer fashion, she stood out with her fiery red hair, breathtaking beauty, and incomparable charm and wit. The epitome of elegance, honesty, spirit, savviness, and sophistication, my mother looked to Coco Chanel for much of her style inspiration – a reason why I to this day adore the designs of Chanel. I know I am not the only one who still admires Chanel – the simplicity and beauty she was able to bring to her designs continues to inspire people to mimic and honor her legacy as a designer. An example of this in an unexpected place is an ice cream shop that bears her middle name.
Coco Chanel’s designs are the foundation and overall vision of the chic and chilled ice cream and pie parlor tucked away in Easton, Maryland. Bonheur mirrors Coco Chanel’s graceful aesthetic featuring bold colors, Gracie wallpaper, unique floor tiling, and mid-century furniture choices. When I step into the parlor, I can vividly imagine Coco Channel and my mother enjoying conversation and a cup of ice cream together in this unparalleled setting. It embodies the dignified character of these two incredible women: it celebrates great style, individuality, and sophistication through an experience enhanced with a sense of prestige. Overall, Bonheur is a must try for all who appreciate Chanel’s iconic style and impressive accomplishments as an empowered woman. Happy Birthday, Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel!