The Women That Changed Fashion

The legendary Coco Chanel began her fashion career in 1910, at a time when couture and tailoring was principally the realm of male designers. But even then she had a keen eye for business and by 1910 she had a business partner. By 1915 her fashion was known throughout France for its practicality and pared back nature. Coco discarded the overly ornate and ‘fiddly’ fashion of the time instead choosing to make fashion about elegance and practicality.

Vivienne Westwood on the other hand was known for something a little bit different, creating an empire of ‘out-hereness’ by being on the forefront of the punk movement in the 70s. Today as a high fashion house the label still has a sense of rebellion and whimsy about it echoed by another eccentric designer Betsey Johnson.

 

Where as the wrap dress we all love so much was the brainchild of Dianne Von Furstenberg, who coined the phrase ‘feel like a women, wear a dress’, and promptly selling millions of the things. Dianne was also at the helm of the diffusion line creating a line of basics selling through the TV shopping network in the early 90s. Today mega designers like Stella McCartney have followed her league, turning her talented name into an empire that encompasses everything from lingerie, to cosmetics and sports wear.

Where these women have gone other designers have followed. Close to home our very own Karen Walker seems to be taking on a Stella McCartney-esque career route. Whilst Coco's invention of paired back chic is still the corner stone of the label today, despite having left the design house 30 plus years ago.

 

Channel Chanel with a chic jacket(1), the best building block for a wardrobe, and inject a little bit of unexpected fashion into your wardrobe a la Vivienne Westwood with punky prints(2) or Betsey Johnson spots(3). DVF is famous for the wrap(4) while Stella McCartney’s chic English girl basics are best encapsulated with a re-worked shirt(5).

1: Text Tuxedo Jacket $189.95 from Witchery

2: Patent Cheetah Peep Toe Heel US$22.99 from Gojane

3: Betsey Johnson Prom Dress $250.00 from Betsey Johnsons stockists

4: Easy Wrap Top $219.00 from RJC

5: Volume up Blouse $39.00 from Valleygirl