Chanel
Chanel S.A. is the fashion house founded in 1910 by Gabrielle Chanel (affectionately called 'Coco' by friends). Chanel created a real revolution in the fashion world with her simple, elegant fashions of timeless appeal. She was one of the first designers to introduce pants for women, and is widely credited as the creator of fashion staple "the little black dress." Ms. Chanel maintained creative control of the design company until her death in 1971. Karl Lagerfeld took the helm as chief designer in 1983.