9 Crazy Facts You Never Knew About Chanel

It goes without saying that Chanel is one of the most highly recognizable and universally beloved fashion brands in the world. But like any intriguing story, there gave been plenty of things happening behind the scenes that most of us have never heard about.

The success of Chanel, of course, is largely built on the genius of its creator, Coco Chanel—but her creative mind was only part of the story. Keep scrolling to learn nine surprising facts you never knew about Chanel!

1. Chanel No. 5 is the best-selling perfume of all time.

2. Chanel was the first brand to have a waiting list for a nail polish.

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3. Coco Chanel invented the suit for women.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Coco Chanel is often credited with putting women in pants, and she was also the first designer to envision women wearing suits—an article of clothing previously only worn by men. She truly revolutionized women’s fashion, which up until that time consisted mainly of binding corsets, oversize skirts, and ultra-feminine detailing. 

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4. Coco Chanel is credited with creating the LBD.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

In 1926, Vogue published a photo of a black dress from Chanel’s most recent collection and referred to it as “Chanel’s Ford,” a reference to the ubiquitous American cars. Many fashion historians regard this as the birth of what we now call the LBD.

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5. Chanel's first Paris shop was actually not a couture shop.
(Image credit: theluxecafe.com)

While many assume that Chanel’s history is mostly based in couture, in fact the Parisian house’s first store opened in 1910 and mainly sold hats. Chanel’s first couture shop did not open until 1915.

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6. Coco Chanel initially built her reputation in Paris on her hats.
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Before her namesake brand became instantly recognizable the world over, Coco Chanel built her reputation in Paris on the extremely high quality of her hats. Known as Chanel Modes, these toppers took Paris by storm, and every chic society woman clamored to get her hands on one.

7. Chanel's two-tone shoes aim to make feet look smaller and legs look longer.

8. The 2.55 bag is named for the date is was first released.

9. The 2.55 bag gets more expensive with each passing year.

Meghan Blalock
Managing Editor

Hailing from the heart of the South and cutting her teeth on the mean streets of New York, Meghan has six years of experience covering fashion, style, celebrities, culture, and human behavior. A longtime devotee of rap music, tacos, and generally perfect weather, she is excited to put down roots in Los Angeles. Her top three style staples are a good pair of cutoff shorts, virtually any kind of colorful digi-print, and a solid set of shades.