Coco Chanel
The Occupational Stereotypes of Women
Coco Chanel firmly believed that, “a girl should be two things: who and what she wants.” The woman was truly ahead of her time with her designs and way of thinking (especially by defying the odds of occupational stereotypes of women in the 1920's).
A French Fashion designer and influential businesswoman, Coco Chanel was the founder and namesake of the Chanel brand. After the World War 1 era, she introduced a completely new trend for women by allowing them to dress for themselves, rather than for the eyes of a man. She gave a sportier, casual look and liberated women from restraining silhouettes, by using looser clothes and straight fabric. She allowed for women to wear pantaloons, while making them stylish too. In the late 1920’s, she instituted her legendary suit and little black dress. She showed two things: women can dress like a man and dress to be chic. She adopted the idea of means wear and emphasized comfort rather than
She did two things from her time that other women would have been discouraged from. She never married and relied solely on herself for all her expenses. By only going to a Catholic orphanage and learned sowing from there, she was able to build an empire from her talents. She created timeless designs that are still popular today. She also wore and designed outfits that broke the stereotype of women's wardrobe.
Coco Chanel should be looked upon as an idol for women’s empowerment. She did exactly what she believed in. She broke out of the stereotypical house wife and made something of herself. She wanted to be a successful, independent businesswoman and she did exactly that. She let nothing stop her, no man, no short comings. She broke the regime of occupational stereotypes and without knowing paved the road to women’s empowerment through design.
Women are seen to be inferior in the workforce. They are encouraged to be nurses rather than doctors, though both are extremely important and honorable jobs. Women are thought to be secretaries rather than businesswomen (like Coco Chanel). This occupational stereotype of women should be broken. The job force should see no gender. They should solely pick their candidates based on who they are and what they have to offer. Being male or female should not be a part of the job description.
constraints. She tailored a collarless jacket and a fitted skirt, that many women today wear for a more professional look. She also took a color that was once known for mourning and designed a totally chic evening look (which she paired with her infamous pearls).