Gabrielle Chanel 1937

Jean Cocteau drew this image of Gabrielle Chanel using ink on paper. Cocteau was part of the Parisian avant-garde scene, so it's no surprise he portrayed Chanel, whose designs epitomized modern chic in France and internationally. Consider the bold, confident lines of the drawing, the almost severe elegance. Chanel’s designs freed women from the restrictive corsets and frills of earlier fashion. She favoured simple, comfortable silhouettes and practical fabrics, catering to the needs of the modern, working woman. Chanel made sure her brand was associated with wealth and celebrity. A dress by Chanel was a signifier of independence and a break from traditions of the past. Historians of fashion draw on sources such as fashion magazines, personal letters, and photographs to understand the cultural significance of designers such as Chanel. We can reflect on how fashion and art intertwine with broader social changes, and influence the lives of everyday people.