Facts about Chanel

Is there a single brand, label or fashion house that's quite as lusted-after as Chanel? We'd be hard-pressed to come up with one. There's just something about those iconic interlocking Cs and the French house's storied, classic reputation that's unlike anything else. Not to mention that every collection Karl Lagerfeld sends down the runway is basically drool-worthy. Need we say more?

While you may think you know everything there is to know about Chanel (after all, every fashion girl worth her salt knows at least a few fun facts about the history of the brand), you just might be surprised!

[Photo: Imaxtree]

The first Chanel store, which opened in 1910 at 31 Rue Cambon, didn't even sell clothes - the fashion house began with hats!

[Photo: Instagram]

Vintage Chanel perfume bottle showcasing elegance and luxury.

According to legend, Coco Chanel was inspired to create the now-iconic interlocking Cs logo during a visit to Chateau Cremat in Nice, where she often attended parties held by American heiress Irene Bretz. If you take a look at the top of Chateau Cremat's vaulted arches, the resemblance is pretty uncanny.

[Photo: Instagram]

Close-up of Chanel handbag highlighting fine craftsmanship.

Before trying her hand at fashion, Gabrielle Chanel, who later became known by the nickname, "Coco," first dreamed of being a singer - she even performed at several cabarets throughout her teens!

[Photo: Instagram]

Elegant Chanel fashion model in a stylish outfit.

Chanel's Rouge Noir nail polish ($28) was the first nail polish to ever sell out and have a subsequent waiting list - the vampy shade is still a cult-favorite today.

[Photo: Chanel]

Chanel beauty products arranged aesthetically on a vanity.

Chanel bags, particularly the 2.55 style, increase in price every day making them an actual investment.

[Photo: Instagram]

Classic Chanel tweed jacket displayed on a mannequin.

Ever wondered where the coveted 2.55 bag gets its famous (albeit odd) name? The bag is named for the date it was created: February 1955.

[Photo: Instagram]

Chanel runway collection featuring bold and unique designs.

That infamously impractical hula hoop bag of spring 2013? It would set you back $2,400.

[Photo: Instagram]

Luxurious Chanel jewelry pieces sparkling in natural light.

Coco Chanel pioneered the idea of suits for women, and an updated version of the house's signature tweed suit look is still shown on the runway today.

[Photo: Instagram]

Historic Chanel fashion advertisement from the early 20th century.

Is there a more classic, more iconic perfume than Chanel No. 5 ($200)? No, and it's the best-selling perfume of all time to prove it.

[Photo: Nordstrom]

Chanel sunglasses styled with a chic summer outfit.

Before coming to Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld was the head designer at French fashion house Chloe. He was offered a salary of $1 million in order to convince him to leave.

[Photo: Instagram]

Chanel makeup products laid out for a glamorous look.

ICYMI, Karl's cat, Choupette Lagerfeld, is Instagram-famous - with 83.7k followers to be exact. In 2015, she made 3 million euro, or around $3.3 million.

[Photo: Instagram]

Timeless Chanel little black dress on a stylish backdrop.

Love your little black dress? Us too - and Coco Chanel can be thanked for the timelessness of one of our essential pieces.

[Photo: Instagram]

12 Surprising Facts You Probably Didn't Know About Chanel