Born on this day in Saumur, France, fashion designer Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel (1883–1971) reshaped the world of fashion with elegance, comfort, and the fierce independence of a free spirit. She led Parisian fashion for nearly 60 years and inspired generations to define style on their own terms.

“There is no time for cut-and-dried monotony,” she once said. “There is a time for work. And time for love. That leaves no other time.”

Her revolutionary ideas included turtlenecks, jersey suits, and costume jewelry. As Christian Dior once noted, “With a black pullover and ten rows of pearls she revolutionized fashion.”

Giorgio Armani called her “the most elegant woman who’s ever lived.” Thanks to Chanel, women tossed off corsets, bobbed their hair, and embraced the timeless simplicity of the *little black dress*.

Her creations—tweed blazers, belted cardigans, and fake pearls—were elegant and empowering. By 1938, she had over 3,000 employees and was one of the wealthiest women in the world.

On the fifth day of the fifth month in 1925, she launched *Chanel No. 5*, the world’s most iconic perfume. “Women are not flowers,” she explained. “Why should they want to smell like flowers?”

Chanel worked hands-on, even in later years with arthritic pain. She rarely used sketches, preferring to drape and cut directly on fabric—shaping beauty by feel.

“Those who create are rare,” she believed. “Those who cannot are numerous. Therefore, the latter are stronger.”