Do You Know the Story Behind Chanel's Interlocking C Logo?

Is there a fashion logo more instantly recognisable than Chanel's interlocking Cs? But while we can all spot a pair of the fashion house's earrings or one of the classic quilted bags in minutes, could you reel off the story of the logo just as quickly? 

A common assumption is that it's Coco Chanel’s initials simply reversed and intertwined (though the designer’s real name was Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel), there’s actually a bit more to it than that. The prevailing theory is that the logo was first conceived by the designer in 1925, some 15 years after first setting up her business. It’s said that Chanel came up with the logo following a visit to the Château de Crémat—a castle in Nice, France—where she often attended parties hosted by friend and socialite Irene Bretz.

The Château de Crémat, which you can still visit today if you’re keen for a little fashion history up close, has a set of vaulted arches decorated with beautiful stained glass windows. It’s the intricate artwork in these very windows that are said to have inspired the famous logo.

Featuring a series of geometric patterns and intertwined circles, the window has even been cited by the fashion house itself as the most likely source of inspiration for its now iconic interlocking C logo. How’s that for architecture inspiring fashion?

Today, the emblem is as timeless as ever and doesn't seem to be losing it's appeal—if anything it's only more popular. It's no stretch so say that everyone in fashion lusts over at least one of Chanel's pieces that feature the Cs. While the earrings and bags will always remain on our shopping lists, there are plenty of other ways it's being used today. From swimming costumes to mules and sneakers, there's no end to how this iconic logo is used. 

Before you shop some of the latest Chanel pieces, plus some classic vintage, we've found some of the ingenious ways the logo has been used over the years, as well as the more modern application. 

Up next, see the Chanel “dad” sandals that are perfect for summer.

Opening Image: @pernilleteisbaek

This post was originally published at an earlier date and has since been updated by Elinor Block.