http://www.fuelyourbranding.com/files/Chanel-logo.jpg
Whilst researching for inspiration for the brand development for student Photographer, Jessie Leong, and the writing of her/my personal brief, I have begun to look at brands (fashion and photography, most notably) which she describes and cites as a particular inspiration or interest in regards to her own work and design portfolio, one of which, is the iconic fashion house brand, Chanel, a brand which defines style and defies time.
"Enduring ideas defy trend
The House of Chanel was founded by Coco Chanel in the first decade of the 20th century. At a time when women had very little presence or profile in business, Chanel established and consolidated an international business dedicated to delivering luxury on her terms. A wily perfectionist, famed for her attention to detail and her determination to retain control over even the smallest detail, Coco Chanel drove the diversification of the business from clothes and hats to perfume and other accessories.
Chanel's genius was to start with a simple idea - no-nonsense clothes that helped women feel comfortable and dignified - and to develop that into a classic and instantly recognisable style capable of expression across haute-couture, ready to wear, jewelry, shoes and of course fragrances. This amazing woman died in 1971, and yet 35 years on, the Chanel brand is as powerful today as it was when she lived. Why?
Because the Chanel brand has always understood the irony of longevity: one must be current, even ahead of one's time, but never a slave to trend, and - most intriguing of all - never a simple reflector of fashion. As Coco herself is quoted as saying, "fashion passes; style remains".
Beyond fad and whim, novelty, outrage, discounting or momentary social conditions, Chanel gets the fact that it is the ongoing commitment of consumers to the idea of the brand that determines success.
Powerful brands like Chanel have lasted because the single-minded thought that drives them is as powerful today as it was when Coco made it her own. The power of Chanel is the power of the pull of Paris - and Paris, as a symbol of sophistication, romance, sexiness, glamour and beauty, shines as bright as ever. Coco Chanel herself embodied that sense of style, and tapped her intuitive understanding of it time and time again to create products and ideas that women found irrestible. The famous Chanel No. 5 for example was the first commercial perfume not blended to reflect a single flower. Instead, the mix of aldehydes, May roses and jasmine was intended by Chanel to create a scent that "reflects my personality, something abstract and unique"."
Chanel's genius was to start with a simple idea - no-nonsense clothes that helped women feel comfortable and dignified - and to develop that into a classic and instantly recognisable style capable of expression across haute-couture, ready to wear, jewelry, shoes and of course fragrances. This amazing woman died in 1971, and yet 35 years on, the Chanel brand is as powerful today as it was when she lived. Why?
Because the Chanel brand has always understood the irony of longevity: one must be current, even ahead of one's time, but never a slave to trend, and - most intriguing of all - never a simple reflector of fashion. As Coco herself is quoted as saying, "fashion passes; style remains".
Beyond fad and whim, novelty, outrage, discounting or momentary social conditions, Chanel gets the fact that it is the ongoing commitment of consumers to the idea of the brand that determines success.
Powerful brands like Chanel have lasted because the single-minded thought that drives them is as powerful today as it was when Coco made it her own. The power of Chanel is the power of the pull of Paris - and Paris, as a symbol of sophistication, romance, sexiness, glamour and beauty, shines as bright as ever. Coco Chanel herself embodied that sense of style, and tapped her intuitive understanding of it time and time again to create products and ideas that women found irrestible. The famous Chanel No. 5 for example was the first commercial perfume not blended to reflect a single flower. Instead, the mix of aldehydes, May roses and jasmine was intended by Chanel to create a scent that "reflects my personality, something abstract and unique"."
Again, like the photographer, Tim Walker, whose work and branding I have recently researched, the branding is heavily focused on typography, along with Chanel's iconic logo which works as a pattern print across a multitude of textiles and fashion/brand items along the vast range of manufactured retail products.
For Jessie's own personal branding, I hope to encapsulate something as equally timeless and classic, whilst still reflecting her original and character within her design portfolio, working across a range of both print and digital media.
Image Source
Image Source
Image Source
Image Source
Image Source
Image Source
Image Source
Image Source
No comments:
Post a Comment