Amanda S. Stevenson
Coco Chanel
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Coco Chanel
Updated Jun 26, 2025
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Gabrielle Bonheur "Coco" Chanel, an iconic figure in the world of fashion, revolutionized the way women dress and perceive style. Born on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France, Chanel's journey from humble beginnings to global fashion dominance is a testament to her resilience, creativity, and audacity.
Raised in an orphanage after the death of her mother, Chanel's early life was marked by modesty and resourcefulness. Yet, these humble beginnings laid the groundwork for her future as a trailblazer in the fashion industry.
Coco Chanel's influence on fashion is immeasurable. She challenged the conventions of her time, liberating women from corsets and introducing a new era of elegance and comfort. Her timeless designs, including the iconic Chanel suit, the little black dress, and the quilted handbag, remain cultural touchstones and continue to shape the fashion landscape.
Beyond her contributions to haute couture, Chanel's life was marked by a spirit of independence and innovation. Her affairs with influential men, her friendships with artists and intellectuals, and her penchant for challenging societal norms added layers to her enigmatic persona.
As the founder of the Chanel brand, Coco Chanel's legacy extends far beyond her lifetime. Her impact on fashion endures, and her influence on the empowerment of women in the 20th century remains an integral part of her story. The tale of Coco Chanel is one of resilience, innovation, and an enduring commitment to redefining the language of style.
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Amanda S. Stevenson
For fifty years I have been a Document Examiner and that is how I earn my living.
For over 50 years I have also been a publicist for actors, singers, writers, composers, artists, comedians, and many progressive non-profit organizations.
I am a Librettist-Composer of a Broadway musical called, "Nellie Bly" and I am in the process of making small changes to it.
In addition, I have written over 100 songs that would be considered "popular music" in the genre of THE AMERICAN SONGBOOK.
My family consists of four branches. The Norwegians and The Italians and the Norwegian-Americans and the Italian Americans.
My family consists of four branches. The Norwegians and The Italians and the Norwegian-Americans and the Italian Americans.
Kathy Pinna
I'm a Founder of AncientFaces and support the community answering questions & helping members make connections to the past (thus my official title of Founder & Content and Community Support ). For me, it's been a labor of love for over 20 years. I truly believe with all of my heart that everyone should be remembered for generations to come.
I am 2nd generation San Jose and have seen a lot of changes in the area while growing up. We used to be known as the "Valley of Heart's Delight" (because the Valley was covered with orchards and there were many canneries to process the food grown here, which shipped all over the US) - now we have adopted the nickname "Capital of Silicon Valley" and Apple, Ebay, Adobe, Netflix, Facebook, and many more tech companies are within a few miles of my current home in San Jose (including AncientFaces). From a small town of 25,000, we have grown to 1 million plus. And when you add in all of the communities surrounding us (for instance, Saratoga, where I attended high school, living a block from our previous Mayor), we are truly one of the big cities in the US. I am so very proud of my hometown. For more information see Kathy - Founder & Content and Community Director
My family began AncientFaces because we believe that unique photos and stories that show who people are/were should be shared with the world.
My family began AncientFaces because we believe that unique photos and stories that show who people are/were should be shared with the world.
Daniel Pinna
I want to build a place where my son can meet his great-grandparents. My grandmother Marian Joyce (Benning) Kroetch always wanted to meet her great-grandchildren, but she died just a handful of years before my son's birth.
So while she didn't have the opportunity to meet him, at least he will be able to know her.
For more information about what we're building see About AncientFaces. For information on the folks who build and support the community see Daniel - Founder & Creator.
My father's side is full blood Sicilian and my mother's side is a combination of Welsh, Scottish, German and a few other European cultures. One of my more colorful (ahem black sheep) family members came over on the Mayflower. He was among the first to be hanged in the New World for a criminal offense he made while onboard the ship.
My father's side is full blood Sicilian and my mother's side is a combination of Welsh, Scottish, German and a few other European cultures. One of my more colorful (ahem black sheep) family members came over on the Mayflower. He was among the first to be hanged in the New World for a criminal offense he made while onboard the ship.
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