By Bhumika Ramesh
One of the most famous designers in the world, Coco Chanel never gave up a chance to help women rise to the top. She made her way from the bottom and redesigned the idea of womanhood in everyone’s eyes. Her fashion empire remains one of the largest to date. Leading a completely innovative life compared to the society prevailing back then, there are many pearls of wisdom Coco Chanel hoped one would implement in their lives.
Here are a few of them:
1.Keeping it simple – Simplicity remains one of the greatest hallmarks of fashion and rightfully so. Simplicity makes way for the things we focus most on. Clutter which isn’t useful just slows down the process of absorbing new events and tasks. Coco Chanel made sure she didn’t add more to create more; the opposite is what she followed. Happiness arrives from the small simple moments.
2. Experiment creatively – Messing around sometimes comes with a silver lining. Coco realised her freedom was essential to experiment with her business and clothes the way she seemed fit. The massive positive response she received from women all around the world speaks for the results she achieved. Sticking to old ideals and traditions may not always be the way forward. Creativity helps you look at problems differently.
3. Staying Authentic and Unapologetic – Self-belief was the core that allowed Coco to shine. She never really took people’s criticism seriously and went forward with the designs she believed in. The little black dress remains one of the most iconic fashion pieces today. Entrepreneurs of this age can look up to this lesson: second-guessing oneself can be one action left in the past.
4. Taking risks – Every successful person has taken risks. In the 19th century no one expected women’s fashion to change from corsets and ball gowns to petite dresses and relaxed clothing. However Coco was instrumental in making this possible. Don’t try to fit in and do what the majority does – standing out does more good than harm if you get the timing right.
5. Dreaming Bold – One of the most famous perfumes in the world, Chanel No.5 wouldn’t have existed if Coco restricted herself to only developing clothes and not broadening her sights. She set the perfume revolution in motion and it is said that a bottle of the Chanel No.5 perfume sells every 30 seconds. Growth always favours the bold who dare to reach for the stars.
Coco’s empire stands strong and her lessons are as valuable, if not more, in the 21st century for anyone looking to improve the quality of their lives and their businesses.
Want more of these kind of posts – see this post here on women entrepreneurs we admire.
For more on lessons from Coco Chanel see this post by Career Girl Daily