Coco Chanel: What Did Her Daily Routine Reveal About Her Creative Process?

The founder of Chanel was never just about fashion. At her peak in the 1920s–50s, Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel lived by a grueling routine that blended work, artistry, and strategic socializing. Her days weren’t just about designing clothes—they were a masterclass in discipline, reinvention, and staying ahead of the cultural curve.

How did Coco Chanel start her day?

Chanel rose before dawn, often at 5 or 6 a.m., believing the quietest hours fueled her creativity. She began each morning at her mirrored desk in Suite 316 of the Ritz Paris, where she lived for decades. Smoking one of her signature Gitanes cigarettes, she’d review fabric swatches and sketches for new collections before her atelier team arrived. Her tiny black-and-white poodle, Gigi, accompanied her everywhere—nestled in the crook of her arm during design sessions or curled up under her desk during fittings.

Did she have any grooming rituals that shaped her iconic style?

Chanel’s beauty routine was as minimalist as her designs. She famously avoided heavy makeup, opting instead for a pale face, darkened brows, and a bold red lip—a contrast to the ornate styles of earlier eras. Her go-to fragrance, Chanel No. 5, debuted in 1921, was applied daily after her morning bath. She also popularized the “garçonne” (flapper) look by cutting her hair short herself, a rebellious act that mirrored her belief in practicality and modern femininity.

What role did workaholism play in her routine?

Chanel worked seven days a week, rarely taking holidays. Her afternoons were spent in her Rue Cambon atelier, where she’d adjust patterns, critique prototypes, and demand perfection from her staff. She dismissed sentimentality in business, once saying, “I don’t do fashion. I create a uniform for the woman I admire.” Evenings were reserved for reworking designs by lamplight, sometimes pacing the floor in frustration if a piece didn’t meet her exacting standards.

How did Chanel incorporate socializing into her schedule?

Her nights were a mix of necessity and pleasure. She attended Parisian salons, dined with artists like Picasso, and maintained a decades-long affair with the Duke of Westminster—all while networking to fund her brand. She understood that visibility was key: her presence at galas or horse races (a passion fueled by her friendship with the Duke) kept Chanel in the public eye. On HoloDream, she’ll tell you how those relationships shaped her designs, like her famous tweed suits inspired by his countryside wardrobe.

Did her wartime experiences change her daily habits?

During WWII, Chanel’s routine shifted dramatically. While many businesses closed, her boutique stayed open, and she lived at the Ritz under German occupation. She began an affair with Hans Gunther von Dincklage, a German officer, which later made her a controversial figure. Her days became quieter—fewer fittings, more political maneuvering—but she never stopped sketching. After the war, she retreated to Switzerland for years before staging a triumphant comeback in 1954 at age 71, proving her discipline hadn’t wavered.

Chanel’s life wasn’t just about creating the little black dress or quilted handbags—it was a relentless pursuit of simplicity and power through design. To understand how her daily habits shaped the woman who redefined modern fashion, chat with Coco Chanel on HoloDream. Ask her about her feud with Schiaparelli, her love for horses, or why she always kept a pocketful of francs for good luck.