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Maintenance Rules By Coco Chanel

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LESSONS

LESSONS:

MAINTENANCE RULES BY COCO CHANEL

Lessons on life and beauty from the master herself.

Written By
JAYME CYK

No matter where you venture, or what language you speak, one name is universally synonymous with fashion and beauty: Chanel. So it’s fitting that the house’s venerable founder, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel, remains among the world’s most quotable women. Indeed, while Coco herself was known for her austere lifestyle and streamlined, no-frills aesthetic, the fashion pioneer always had a way with words, and plenty of pearls to dispense. As the designer who single-handedly liberated women from the post–World War I corseting craze, Chanel placed a premium not only on looks, but also on women’s inner lives and beauty. Here, just a few maxims from the master on the themes, of life, love, luxury—and, of course, style.

COCO CHANEL’S RULES OF ENGAGEMENT

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Coco Chanel

I don’t understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little—if only out of politeness. And then, you never know, maybe that’s the day she has a date with DESTINY. And it’s best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.

— COCO CHANEL

Coco Chanel

A PORTRAIT OF MADEMOISELLE CHANEL, 1962
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUGLAS KIRKLAND / CORBIS

A woman can be overdressed, but NEVER over elegant.

COCO CHANEL

CHANEL SMOKING ON A DIVAN, 1937

CHANEL SMOKING ON A DIVAN, 1937
PHOTOGRAPHY BY HORST P. HORST / COURTESY OF CONDE NAST / CORBIS

Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life sculpts your face at thirty. But it’s up to YOU to earn the face you have at fifty.

COCO CHANEL

CHANEL WITH HER DOG, 1930.

CHANEL WITH HER DOG, 1930.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHANEL

You should perfume yourself wherever you want to be KISSED.

COCO CHANEL

CHANEL ON A YACHT IN THE LIDO, 1936.

CHANEL ON A YACHT IN THE LIDO, 1936.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY V.H. GRANDPIERRE / COURTESY OF VOGUE PARIS

Stylishness is a conquest of the MIND over the senses.

COCO CHANEL

Coco Chanel

CHANEL AND HER ICONIC PEARL NECKLACE, 1936
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROGER-VIOLLET / LIPNITZKI

The face is a mirror that shows the movements of the inner life: give it the UTMOST care.

COCO CHANEL

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