Coco Chanel. Pioneer of a modern image of women?

Facharbeit (Schule) , 2014 , 34 Seiten , Note: 15 points

Kunst - Kunstgeschichte

The question of this subject paper in the seminar subject "Art and Culture in Germany in the Twenties and Thirties" is "Coco Chanel - Pioneer of a Modern Image of Women?". During the research for my previous paper with the topic "The change of the image of women from the Weimar Republic to National Socialism" [I] developed an interest in the question to what extent Chanel has influenced our fashion today and consequently also the current image of women. (...)

Basically, my research will aim at discussing the question to what extent and by what means Chanel has contributed to the development of the modern image of women. Since Coco Chanel was first and foremost a fashion designer, her influence will presumably also be seen on the fashion level in particular, so that I will try to set the focus of the work there. I will probably build up my elaboration roughly as follows: First, I will explain the image of women at the time before Chanel's influence, whereby I will present the social role of women at that time as well as women's fashion, in order to enable a comparison and to make clear Chanel's presumably divergent view. This is followed by a brief overview of Chanel's life and her particular lifestyle, which is followed by a presentation of her fashion creations.

Finally, in order to answer the question of Chanel's influence on a modern image of women, I will examine what in today's (fashion) everyday life is still reminiscent of her work at that time. Finally, I will draw a conclusion and thus answer the previous problem.

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• The woman before the influence of Coco Chanel
  • The image of women
  • Women's fashion
• About Coco Chanel
  • Short biography
  • Lifestyle
  • View of fashion at that time
  • Creation of own fashion
    • Motivations
    • Ascent
• Coco Chanel's influence
  • Fashion
    • Style
    • The Little Black
    • The Chanel Costume
    • Other fashion
  • Image of women/female way of life
  • Today

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This thesis investigates the influence of Coco Chanel on the modern image of women. The work explores how Chanel's fashion designs, particularly her iconic "Little Black Dress," impacted the fashion and lifestyle of women during her lifetime and beyond. The thesis examines the social context surrounding Chanel's innovations, comparing it to the prevalent image of women prior to her rise. Ultimately, it aims to determine the lasting impact of her work on contemporary fashion and the perception of women in society.

• The evolution of the image of women in the early 20th century
• Coco Chanel's life and career as a fashion designer
• The influence of Chanel's fashion creations on the development of modern women's fashion
• The enduring legacy of Chanel's work in contemporary society
• The relationship between fashion and the societal perception of women

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

• Introduction: The thesis introduces the research question: "Coco Chanel - Pioneer of a modern image of women?". The author outlines the scope of the investigation, focusing on Chanel's influence on fashion and its impact on the image of women. The chapter sets the stage for a comparative analysis of the traditional female role and fashion before Chanel, against the backdrop of her innovations.
• The woman before the influence of Coco Chanel: This chapter explores the prevailing image of women in the period before Chanel's emergence. It examines the societal expectations, roles, and fashion trends of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author highlights the limitations imposed on women in terms of their social, political, and economic participation, as well as the constricting nature of prevailing fashion trends.
• About Coco Chanel: This chapter provides a biographical overview of Coco Chanel, outlining her life, career, and personal relationships. It sheds light on her early experiences, her journey from a humble background to becoming a successful fashion designer, and the factors that influenced her work. The chapter delves into her unique approach to fashion, challenging the established norms and creating a new style that embraced simplicity and functionality.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

The key focus of this thesis lies in the impact of Coco Chanel on the evolving image of women in the 20th century. The work explores themes of fashion, societal norms, female empowerment, and the transformative power of design. It examines Chanel's life and career, focusing on her signature creations, particularly the "Little Black Dress," and their lasting influence on contemporary fashion and the female identity.

• Note: 15 points
• Autor: Nathalie Möller (Autor:in)
• Erscheinungsjahr: 2014
• Seiten: 34
• Katalognummer: V1170972
• ISBN (PDF): 9783346585998
• Sprache: Englisch
• Schlagworte: coco, chanel, pioneer