Thought you knew everything about Coco Chanel? Think again

Chanel’s real name is Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel. The name Coco is thought to have come from her time as a cabaret singer. She became known for singing “Ko Ko Ri Ko” and “Qui qu’a vu Coco”. Later in life, she told people that Coco was a childhood nickname. Perhaps because a cabaret career was ‘uncouth’ for a couture designer at the time.

Chanel along with her two sisters was sent to live in an orphanage by her father after their mother died of tuberculosis. The orphanage was Aubazine Abbey and was run by nuns. Her humble origins certainly defied convention at the time.

After her brief stint as a singer Coco Chanel became a licensed milliner in 1910. She opened her first boutique at 21 rue Cambon, Paris. It was named Chanel Modes and her hats were soon worn by well-known French actresses of the era, and helped build her reputation.

It is documented that Chanel had 8 lovers, one of which was Hugh Richard Arthur Grosvenor, the 2nd Duke of Westminster who was known to his close friends as "Bendor". She was introduced to him at the age of 40. After meeting the duke courted Chanel with extravagant gifts including a home in London's prestigious Mayfair area. Disguised as a deliveryman, Westminster once appeared at Chanel's apartment with an enormous bouquet of flowers. In 1927 he gave her a parcel of land on the French Riviera at Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. It was there that Chanel built her villa, La Pausa. Their romantic liaison lasted ten years. She never married but was known for various high profile romantic conquests.

Few people know that Chanel was obsessed with the Scottish countryside. Apparently, this was thanks to her liaison with the Duke of Westminster, who introduced her to British country pursuits. For a time she lived in a sprawling 20-bedroom estate called Rosehall House, which is located near Lairg in Scotland. The estate was owned by the Duke for just two years but in that time Chanel redecorated the pile to suit her tastes.

Chanel is famous for its use of tweed, but did you know the fabric has little to do with the French origins of the brand? In fact Tweed was used by Chanel because she fell in love with the fabric during her time in Scotland. The entire Chanel AW22 show was dedicated to Tweed and Coco’s love of the highlands.

In operation that is. There are couture houses that are older, but Chanel is the oldest couture house which is still active and producing garments. The Maison was officially established by Coco Chanel at 31 rue Cambon in 1918. Ateliers still produce garments at the legendary address.

Chanel was turned into a musical back in 1969. The titular character was played by legendary Hollywood actress Katharine Hepburn and it was nominated for seven Tony Awards. It won two awards, Best Featured Actor in a Musical and of course it won the gong for Best Costume Design.

Chanel often uses Lions in their jewellery, and that is because of Chanel’s zodiac sign. Chanel was born on August 19, 1883, making her a Leo. It is reported that she kept a Lion figurine near her cutting scissors. She even designed her own headstone for her burial with 5 ornate lions.

Chanel spent over 30 years of her life living in The Ritz Paris. Despite owning a luxurious apartment just above her boutique across the street on rue Cambon, in 1937 she moved into the hotel into suite No. 302. She slept there until her death in 1971 but used to use her apartment during the day.

Coco Chanel’s last words to her maid Celine were “You see, this is how you die.” She died in her bed at the Hotel Ritz at 9 pm on the 10th of January 1971. She left her fortune and most of her estate to her nephew André Palasse, who lived in Switzerland, and his two daughters, who lived in Paris.

It's no coincidence that the most famous perfume in the world bears Chanel's lucky number in its title. The deliciously fizzy and aldehydic Chanel No. 5 was named after the vial labelled with the number '5' that expert perfumer Ernest Beaux had created for her.