Photo credits: chanel.com
As an actress who has been living the magic of storytelling, I find endless inspiration in figures like Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel—a woman whose vision reshaped elegance and whose life touched the heart of Monaco. Known to the world as a revolutionary designer, Chanel’s connection to the Principality is a chapter of history grounded in her time on the French Riviera. As we bask in the gentle promise of spring 2025, let us step into the world of Coco Chanel and her indelible bond with the Rock.
A Riviera Life That Embraced Monaco
Coco Chanel’s ties to Monaco emerged in the 1920s, when the French Riviera became a haven for Europe’s elite. After the death of her lover, Arthur “Boy” Capel, in a car accident in December 1919, Chanel sought solace in the region’s sunlit shores. By the early 1920s, she was a frequent visitor to the Côte d’Azur, a world that included Monaco. Her presence in the Principality was tied to her relationship with Hugh Grosvenor, the Duke of Westminster, whom she met around 1923 or 1924. A prominent figure in Riviera society, the Duke often sailed his yacht, Flying Cloud, along the coast, and Chanel joined him during these years, spending time in and near Monaco.
La Pausa: A Stone’s Throw from Monte Carlo
In 1928, Chanel solidified her Riviera roots by purchasing land in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, just 10 kilometers from Monaco, to build La Pausa. Completed in 1930 with financial support from the Duke of Westminster, this villa became her retreat. Designed by architect Robert Streitz, La Pausa featured minimalist beauty—white walls, terracotta tiles, and views of the Mediterranean. She hosted notable figures there, including Jean Cocteau, Salvador Dalí, and Winston Churchill, as confirmed by historical accounts.
Its proximity to Monaco made the Principality an easy destination for Chanel. Biographies note her fondness for the Riviera’s lifestyle, and her trips to Monte Carlo—whether for dining or socializing—are a logical extension of her time at La Pausa. The villa, sold in 1953, remains a testament to her love for the region that includes Monaco.
The Riviera’s Mark on Her Designs
Chanel’s time on the Riviera, encompassing Monaco, left a clear imprint on her work. In the 1920s, she popularized jersey fabrics and nautical stripes, inspired by the sailors she observed along France’s coasts—first in Deauville, then reinforced by her Riviera years. Her famous tan, a bold shift from the pale ideal of the era, emerged after a 1923 cruise with the Duke, as noted by Edmonde Charles-Roux in Chanel and Her World. This sun-kissed look, embraced during her Riviera summers, became a symbol of modern beauty.
The Woman Who Defined an Era
Born in 1883 and orphaned as a child, Chanel rose from poverty to create a fashion empire, a story of resilience that echoes Monaco’s own knack for enduring glamour. Her wit—“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury,” she famously said—matched her determination. In the Riviera, including Monaco, she found a setting that suited her vision: a blend of tradition and forward-thinking elegance.
Photo credits: chanel.com
A Lasting Presence in Monaco
Chanel’s legacy endures in Monaco today. The House of Chanel maintains boutiques in the Cercle d’Or, and the brand’s presence is felt at fashion events like the Monte Carlo Fashion Awards. Her influence—simple lines, bold confidence, timeless style—shapes the Principality’s aesthetic, where women carry her spirit in their poised elegance.
For Monaco Voice readers, Coco Chanel is a historical luminary whose time near Monaco left a mark. She died in 1971, but her essence lingers here—a reminder of how one woman’s genius found harmony with the Principality’s grace.
Now, I’m wearing Chanel No. 5, sitting in Monaco, feeling its power: a quiet strength that transcends time. Its floral notes swirling around me as I write—a fragrance she launched in 1921 that still captures her daring simplicity. “May my legend prosper and thrive. I wish it a long and happy life!” Chanel once declared, and in 2025, as Monaco glows under a new season, her words ring true. Chanel’s story inspires us still: a tale of creativity, courage, and a love for the Riviera that forever links her to our shores.