Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel was a French fashion designer born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. She is best known for founding the luxury brand Chanel and revolutionizing women's fashion by introducing a more casual elegance that replaced the more formal styles of the 19th century. Chanel popularized the use of jersey fabric and is credited with creating the iconic Chanel No. 5 perfume. Chanel's designs emphasized comfort and simplicity, leading to the creation of the famous little black dress and the Chanel suit. She also popularized the use of costume jewelry, making it accessible to women. Coco Chanel's influence on fashion remains significant, and she is celebrated as a pioneer of modern style.