Her name has become synonymous with elegance; the very stamp of glamor and sophistication. But iconic French fashion designer Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel was above all a cultural pioneer and businesswoman who founded a timeless brand by overturning cultural norms surrounding women's dress. Gone were the tortured frills and constraints of corsets, aigrettes and hobble skirts. Under Chanel's influence, comfort and ease became the new language of feminine beauty and elegance, with trousers, jersey, suits and other traditionally male garments newly popularized as elements of a chic yet casual women's aesthetic.
It's not for nothing that Coco Chanel is the only fashion designer listed on TIME's 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century. She understood that fashion was about more than just the fabric on our backs, and blazed a trail that revolutionized the way women dress, feel and behave in society.
Here are our Top 10 Coco Chanel Quotes to inspire you to be as irresistibly bold as she was.
My life didn't please me, so I created my life.
Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.
In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.
Don't spend time beating on a wall, hoping to transform it into a door.
Success is most often achieved by those who don't know that failure is inevitable.
I don’t care what you think about me. I don’t think about you at all.
The most courageous act is still to think for yourself. Aloud.
A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.
And here's a bonus quote (because we all like a good laugh!):
The best things in life are free. The second-best are very expensive.
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elderly couple laughing and drinking coffee outside a restaurant
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.