It’s the fabric that sealed the maison’s fate. Seen on just about every prolific name ranging from Jackie Kennedy to Sarah Jessica Parker and our society ladies, tweed is now synonymous with Chanel. 

In the 1920s, Gabrielle Chanel introduced the tweed fabric, which changed the destiny of her maison forever. The designer was inspired by the sportswear she borrowed from her beau, Hugh Grosvenor, the 2nd Duke of Westminster, and found it to be far more comfortable than anything offered in womenswear. Working with a Scottish factory, Chanel introduced the fabric into all facets of her clothing designs, and incorporated other materials such as silk, wools and cotton, along with more textures, and innovations. Tweed became a signature of Chanel, particularly its two-piece suit that has been throned as a symbol of female empowerment.