Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel was a French fashion designer who revolutionized women's style in the 20th century. She is credited with liberating women from the 'corseted silhouette' and popularizing a sporty, casual chic as the feminine standard of style. Her most famous innovations include the 'Little Black Dress' (LBD), the Chanel suit, and the iconic fragrance Chanel No. 5. By borrowing elements from menswear—such as jersey fabric, trousers, and pockets—she emphasized comfort and functionality without sacrificing elegance. Chanel was a savvy businesswoman who built a global luxury brand that bears her name. While her personal life and actions during World War II remain subjects of intense debate, her influence on the fashion industry and the social status of women's dress remains unparalleled, making her the only fashion designer on Time magazine's list of the 100 most influential people of the 20th century.