More commonly known as Chanel, the House of Chanel is a Parisian fashion house in France. It was founded by Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel (1883-1971). The privately held House of Chanel is currently jointly owned by Alain Wertheimer and Gerard Wertheimer, grandsons of the early Chanel partner Pierre Wertheimer.

Chanel revolutionize haute couture fashion by completely replacing the traditional corset with comfortable and casually elegant suits and dresses. Coco Chanel introduced to the world her signature cardigan jacket in 1925, creating a more sultry and seductive definition of "sexy."

She also had numerous other successes that changed the fashion industry, including the ever popular "Chanel Suit." This is an elegant creation composed of a knee-high length skirt and trim, boxy jacket. It is traditionally made of woven wool with black sewing trim and gold buttons, and worn with large costume pearl necklaces.

Chanel is also known for its No. 5, a popular fragrance introduced in 1921, and its quilted fabric that also has a secret quilting pattern sewn at the back to keep the material strong.

Elite women of high societies around the world began to flock to the now legendary Rue Cambon boutique to commission couture outfits for her. The House of Chanel became an icon of elegance and from then on, the name "Chanel" became synonymous with elegance, wealth, and elitism, as well as the ultimate sign of French high class, "la coquetterie."

The brand is now headed by German-born designer Karl Lagerfeld, who had previously designed for the House of Fendi.

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