Six Takeaways from Inside Chanel: Gabrielle, the Quest for Freedom
A giant of 20th century fashion, Coco Chanel still plays a pivotal role in her eponymous brand, close to 50 years after her passing. Controversial and combative, there’s no denying the woman was a trailblazer, whatever your opinion of her politics, her obfuscation of her chequered past, or the sometimes questionable actions she took to secure her gargantuan success. All this and more is brought to the surface in the twentieth installment of the arrestingly animated short film Inside Chanel, which explores the icon’s fiery personality.
Below, we share some of our favourite edicts from Gabrielle, the Quest for Freedom.
1. Elegance is refusal
Say no to everything, even if you agree, just because it’s chic.
2. If you're born without wings, don't do anything to stop them from growing.
This either means that nature is not destiny, or that Chanel secretly had dreams of completing Da Vinci’s gliding wings and liberating women from the ground. It could be both. You decide.
3. Love solitude like a gift
Imagine Gabrielle Chanel alone in bed, wrapped in a blanket burrito and reposting a meme about not being able to adult today. You’re welcome.
4. Nothing replaces work; not titles, not nerve, not luck.
That’s just solid advice we can’t argue with.
5. Conquer your destiny, even if it means deliberately inventing certain moments
A ringing endorsement of “alternative facts” if we’ve ever heard one.
6. Make ease a companion, and instinct a guardian.
Follow your guts, whether they lead you to build one of the world’s most recognisable brands or simply to the frozen food section of the (preferably Chanel) supermarket.
