How Chanel’s Constant Innovation Led To A Legacy Unmatched

Although Coco Chanel started from humble beginnings as an underprivileged orphan with no formal education, she established connections with the aristocracy while working various jobs and founded the renowned fashion house in Paris in 1910. The Maison and Coco herself are recognized as pioneers, and many contemporary notions of good taste can be traced back to the house.

Coco Chanel was a pioneer in the fashion industry, revolutionizing women’s clothing and accessories. She popularized wearing black for occasions other than funerals, inspired by the nuns’ attire from her orphanage. Chanel removed the corset from Western women’s attire, freeing them from the discomfort of cinching their waists. She also invented the Little Black Dress, a staple in every woman’s wardrobe today, by simplifying women’s clothing and removing frills and laces. Additionally, Chanel brought jersey fabric from men’s athletic wear to high fashion, making comfortable clothing chic. Her invention of the hands-free sling bag, such as the iconic 2.55 bag, further liberated women from the physical burden of carrying their bags, allowing them to go about their day with ease. Chanel’s innovations have had a lasting impact on the fashion industry and continue to inspire designers today.

Balanced Exposure and Scarcity Marketing

In 1974, Chanel No. 5 was not performing well in terms of sales, so CEO Alain Wertheimer decided to reduce its availability from 18,000 to 12,000 stores in the US and invest heavily in advertising for the product. This scarcity marketing strategy aims to protect the brand’s exposure by creating a fear of losing the opportunity to purchase the product. Chanel has since incorporated this approach into its business strategy for all products and advertising. Unlike many competitors who introduce new fragrances frequently, Chanel introduces a new scent every 10 years to maintain consistency and avoid confusing consumers. This strategy has proved successful as people of all ages continue to rely on Chanel for their fragrance needs throughout their lives.

Evolved Social Media Marketing

With a staggering 43.6 million followers on Instagram, Chanel has the highest number of followers among luxury brands. On YouTube, which the brand uses primarily to connect with customers, it has 1.79 million followers. Throughout its marketing efforts, Chanel reinforces the story of a liberated young woman, which aligns with its history. Unlike its competitors Dior, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton, Chanel does not focus solely on selling its products but also emphasizes storytelling to build trust with its audience. The brand’s content is engaging, and it includes innovative video shorts featuring celebrities such as Pharrell Williams and Keira Knightley. Overall, Chanel’s content is likely the most engaging among its competitors.

Using Celebrity Endorsements To Their Strength 

Chanel has been known to leverage the power of celebrity endorsements to elevate its brand image and appeal to a wider audience. The brand has a long history of collaborating with supermodels, Hollywood actors, and other high-profile personalities to promote its products and establish its reputation in the luxury market.

One of the earliest and most significant examples of this strategy is Chanel’s partnership with actress and fashion icon Audrey Hepburn, who famously wore the brand’s designs in several films and public appearances. This association helped to cement Chanel’s status as a symbol of elegance, sophistication, and timeless style.

Since then, Chanel has continued to work with a variety of celebrities, including supermodels like Cara Delevingne and Gisele Bündchen, as well as actresses like Kristen Stewart and Keira Knightley. The brand’s collaborations with these individuals often involve creating custom pieces or entire collections that reflect the celebrity’s personal style and aesthetic.

In addition to traditional advertising campaigns featuring these high-profile endorsers, Chanel also incorporates celebrity appearances and sponsorships at events such as the Cannes Film Festival and the Met Gala. By aligning itself with these influential events and personalities, Chanel is able to reinforce its position as a leading luxury brand while reaching a wider audience.

Get access to the latest marketing and branding narratives that are shaping the worldwide market on World Brand Affairs. Our content offers valuable insights and inspiration that can help you succeed, whether you’re a marketer, a business owner, or just someone interested in the world of brands.