Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s Muses Throughout History

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel has long been one of fashion’s most prominent figures. The chic founder of the iconic house of Chanel altered the fashion industry and ushered in a new era of women’s fashion.

Chanel was born on August 19, 1883 in Saumur, France. Her mother passed at an early age and Chanel and her siblings were sent to an orphanage by their father. She endured a difficult upbringing before moving to Moulins and beginning her career in fashion as a seamstress. Once she met her lover Arthur “Boy” Capel, the designer opened up her own hat store and later her own boutique. It was there that Chanel began her mission of creating comfortable yet fashionable women’s clothing and changed the nature of womenswear forever.

Chanel has secured her place in history as one of fashion’s most iconic designers, but she was not alone throughout her impressive career. Chanel had many muses and inspirations that helped influence her transformative work. In honor of Coco Chanel’s birthday, CR is rounding up all of the founder’s muses from Romy Schneider to Salvador Dali.