Happy Birthday Coco Chanel

© Douglas Kirkland

"How many cares one loses when one decides not to be something, 

but to be someone."

© Douglas Kirkland

"You live but once, you might as well be amusing."

© Cecil Beaton Studio Archive

"Fashion fades, only style remains the same"

This Sunday, August 19^th would have been Coco ‘Gabrielle’ Chanel’s 129^th birthday. Every time I step foot in Paris I am reminded of her. I can think of no other designer whose fashion, elegance, and inimitable style has transcended so many decades. 

© Cecil Beaton Studio Archive

Chanel took the fashion of her day and turned it on its head, designing clothes in which women could actually be comfortable. She was a revolutionary; she was insouciant to the restrictions of her society; she had a mind of her own, a fierce independence, and above all, she stayed true to herself.   “I don’t care what you think about me, I don’t think about you at all.” Coco Chanel was and remains an inspiration, then, now, always. Happy Birthday Mlle. Chanel. 

© Henri Cartier Bresson

"Where should one use perfume?" a young woman asked. 

"Wherever one wants to be kissed," I said.

Chanel No. 5 was introduced in 1921 and the design of the bottle was inspired by a mirror in Mlle. Chanel's apartment. The No. 5 name came from the fact that she always launched her collections on the 5th day of the 5th month and considered 5 her lucky number.

2.55 bag: The burgundy color of the bag's lining represents the color of the uniforms at the convent where Coco grew up.

"I never wanted to weigh more heavily on a man than a bird."

© Cecil Beaton Studio Archive

"I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. 

And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny. 

And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny."

To commemorate Chanel's birthday, 1stdibs and decorative arts dealer Douglas Rosin present a capsule collection and online sale of exquisite Chanel costume jewelry from the 1960s through 2008. Each of the 80 pieces sum up her spirit and her originality. Shop the sale here.