“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”
- August 19, 1883 – January 10, 1971
- Born in France
- Designer, businesswoman
- Founded the Chanel brand and advocated modern and simple fashion, especially popularizing the “Chanel suit” and “little black dress,” and contributing to the liberation of women.
Quote
“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”
Explanation
In this quote, Coco Chanel suggests that while youth and beauty may be bestowed upon us by nature, it is the way we live our lives that shapes our appearance as we grow older. The face we have at twenty, often associated with innocence, freshness, and health, is largely determined by genetics and the natural course of aging. However, by the time we reach fifty, the reflection we see in the mirror is not just the result of time passing, but also the culmination of our choices, experiences, and attitudes. The phrase “it is up to you to merit” emphasizes the idea that personal responsibility and self-care have a significant impact on how we age, both physically and emotionally.
Chanel, who was known for her ageless elegance, lived by this principle. She continued to work and innovate well into her later years, maintaining a strong sense of independence, confidence, and passion for life. In her view, aging gracefully was not about fighting the passage of time but about living in a way that cultivates wisdom, grace, and self-respect—qualities that shine through and enhance one’s appearance over time. This mindset challenges the modern obsession with youthful beauty and encourages a more holistic view of aging, where a person’s character and inner life are reflected in their outward appearance.
In today’s world, where societal pressures often prioritize physical youth and beauty, Chanel’s words offer an important perspective on how we should embrace aging. It is a reminder that our inner vitality, how we live, and the way we treat ourselves can affect how we look as we grow older. The quote invites us to focus not just on external appearances but on the way we nourish our bodies, minds, and spirits, knowing that these choices will be reflected in the face we present to the world as we age. Aging, in Chanel’s eyes, is something to be embraced with dignity, as it marks the growth of personal strength and self-worth.
