“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
- 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
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”
Explanation
In this quote, Coco Chanel expands the definition of fashion beyond the clothes people wear to a broader, more holistic concept that encompasses the way we live, think, and interact with the world. For Chanel, fashion is not confined to the runway or the couture atelier; it is a reflection of the zeitgeist—the spirit of the times. Fashion, in her view, is intertwined with ideas, culture, and social movements, and it manifests not just in what we wear, but in how we engage with our environment and the world around us. This insight emphasizes that fashion is deeply connected to personal expression, society, and current events, making it something dynamic and ever-evolving.
Chanel’s perspective on fashion as a living, breathing entity was revolutionary for her time. She believed that true fashion was not about following rigid trends or simply dressing to impress, but about expressing one’s individuality and embracing the changes happening in the world. For example, her introduction of functional yet elegant clothing, such as the little black dress or her use of jersey fabric, was a direct response to the shifting roles and desires of modern women in the early 20th century. In this sense, fashion was a tool for empowerment, allowing people to adapt to the changing times and reflect their personal beliefs and lifestyles.
In today’s world, Chanel’s quote continues to resonate as a reminder that fashion is much more than an external pursuit; it is a cultural force that can influence how we think, act, and interact with the world. Fashion is not just about clothes—it is about attitudes, values, and social changes. Whether through street style, the media, or movements like sustainability or gender fluidity, fashion today reflects broader societal shifts and serves as a mirror to contemporary life. Chanel’s words encourage us to look beyond the surface and understand that style is ultimately about how we express ourselves and engage with the world on a deeper level.
