Coco's Camellias

Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel, arguably the most well-known and best-remembered fashion designer, had an ongoing love affair with the lovely camellia. It was the first flower given to her by her English lover, Arthur 'Boy' Capel, who later went on to finance her first Paris boutique.

Chanel felt that the camellia represented radiance and purity, and was often seen wearing a camellia brooch. In time, the camellia came to represent the Chanel look and became her trademark, being interpreted on virtually every conceivable item of clothing: shoes, jewelry, hats, sunglasses, and the often-imitated Chanel 2.5 bag.

Coco was inspired by her surroundings,whether in the wild: fly-fishing as she often did with her famous admirers; or in the structured surroundings of Paris, especially in the Place Vendome, where she maintained a suite at the Ritz. Overlooking the hexagonal
open space, she was inspired to use that shape for the stopper of her Chanel No. 5 perfume. (So named because it was the fifth scent presented to her and the one she loved the most).

Coco's motto: "A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous!"


Be fabulous in your own way!



Interesting Side Note on this Inaugural Day: the American Society of Florists estimates that 250,000 flowers will be used in Inaugural Events!