Chanel’s luxurious casual clothes stood out amongst the extravagant dresses of the time. Women found liberation through her minimalist elegance, finally freed from the corsets, lace and frills that quite literally restrained them for so long.

Chanel’s classic tweed suit is undoubtedly her most recognizable ensemble. The look provided women with a professional office outfit that didn’t sacrifice femininity or skimp on fashion sense. Her collarless blazers embellished with braided trim and decorative buttons were a favorite of Jackie O, Princess Diana and Barbara Walters alike.

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One of Chanel’s most widely recognizable designs is her quilted shoulder bag. Unlike the short-strapped bags of the time, her cross-body style bags freed women’s hands, making it an It Bag for decades to come. The Large Quilted Vintage Chanel Camera Bag we’re giving away to one lucky new member is a timeless take on the classic style. It’s equally as chic today as it was when it was released in the early 1990’s.

At a time when working women were few and far between, Chanel’s foresight of female empowerment through fashion allowed her designs to stand the test of time. Her entrepreneurial spirit and practical designs have served as inspiration for boss ladies over the decades. To put it in her words, “In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.”