Coco Chanel

1883–1971 · French couturier · founder of the House of Chanel

Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel revolutionized 20th-century fashion with an aesthetic of studied simplicity — jersey, the little black dress, and a philosophy of subtraction over ornament. Her genuine 1960 remark to Time — “Always to take off, never to add” — captures the same restraint, which is likely why this older, anonymous jewelry adage drifted onto her name. But being Chanelian in spirit is not the same as being said by Chanel.

Traced to source

2 quotes we’ve traced to Coco Chanel

“In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different”

Verified

“Before you leave the house, look in the mirror and remove one piece of jewelry”

Disputed

Not actually Coco Chanel

Often misattributed to Coco Chanel

Famous lines widely pinned on Coco Chanel that we’ve traced to someone else.

“The secret to creativity is knowing how to hide your sources”

actually C. E. M. Joad

On the research bench

Commonly pinned on Coco Chanel — under review

4 lines flagged as pinned on Coco Chanel and queued for a full source trace — not yet verified.

“Elegance is refusal.”

Disputed

“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty; it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.”

Disputed

“Our homes are our prisons; let us find freedom in their decoration.”

Disputed

“The only beautiful eyes are those that look at us tenderly.”

Disputed

Did they really say it?

Thought Coco Chanel said something else?

Type a quote you think Coco Chanel said — we’ll tell you what we know, or point you to the best sources.