Coco Chanel

Hello! My name is Gabrielle, but everyone called me Coco. I was born in a country called France a long, long time ago, in the year 1883. When I was a little girl, I learned how to sew with a needle and thread. I loved making things with my hands. I thought it was so much fun to create new hats and clothes, and I dreamed of making beautiful things for everyone.

In my time, ladies wore very tight, poofy dresses. It looked hard to run and play in them! I thought clothes should be comfy and easy to move in, so you could jump and dance. I started designing simple dresses and even pants for women! That was a brand-new idea back then. In 1910, I opened my very own little shop to sell my creations. I started with my special hats and then added my simple, comfortable clothes for everyone to enjoy.

I also wanted to create a special smell, like a flower garden in a bottle. In 1921, I made a perfume and called it Chanel No. 5. People still love its beautiful scent today! I lived to be 87 years old, until the year 1971. I was so happy I could share my ideas. Even now, people remember me for making clothes that are both beautiful and fun to wear.