Different like Chanel.

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One can take a lot of inspiration from Coco Chanel. Ever since my trip to New York City in 2006, I’ve been in love. I feel in love by accident really. I never cared for designer anything and always used cheap perfumes that I could buy from the make up section of Shoppers Drug Mart. Then, in New York City I went to Sacs Fifth Ave. As soon as I entered the store there was a beautiful display of Chanel perfumes. The display is what caught my eye first. Then, the design of the bottles is what really sold me. Simple. So very simple, but at the same time, beautiful and elegant. Then I smelled it. Here is the moment where I fell in love. So, I ended up walking out of Sacs happily with a Chanel perfume. Later, upon return from my trip, I researched Chanel, and that is when I became a fan. I admired the woman behind the label. Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel.

Coco Chanel is yet another example of an impoverished talented individual who rose to world-wide fame. She was different, she spoke out her mind during a time when that really wasn’t the thing to do. Because she was different, she was irreplaceable. There was no other Chanel. She wore what she wanted. She never obliged to the fashion of the time. She didn’t want to be confined to corsets and she didn’t fancy wearing all the jewelry one had in their house. So, she simply did not do what she didn’t want to.

The message she left for the world is wonderful. Be different and you will succeed. You will succeed because what you have to offer the world is irreplaceable. I interpret being different as simply being yourself. Do not do something because everyone else is does it. Similarly, do not not do something because no one else is doing it. Do exactly that which you feel is right, which brings you the most joy, which you want to do and you will become irreplaceable. Follow the crowd and you’re easily replaced with the rest of the crowd. This might seem like I’m writing to a highschool audience, and although I see nothing wrong with that, I think Coco’s message applies to anyone at any age. People at any age will do things differently than they would like to because our society or their friends and family would disapprove.

So, how do you go about being your own person?

Be different. Period. If you’re different, you will stand out. You will get noticed. If you follow the crowd, you will blend in with a million other people.

Be daring. Do you have an idea? Pitch it to whoever you need to – your boss, your teacher etc. Don’t worry about failure. It’s better to have failed than to have never tried.

Be bold. Especially when you speak. Speak loudly so that everyone can hear you. Speak clearly so that everyone will understand you. If you speak loud and clear, people will listen because that’s the voice of a leader.

Never give up. During WWII Chanel had to shut down her business and she also suffered from a ruined reputation (especially with the French), but that didn’t stop her. She made a comeback at the at of 71.It the pitch fails, pick it up and try a different route. Keep trying, and eventually it will happen. This is where you need to learn how to take criticism well (a post on this will follow). People will criticize, it’s only natural when someone dares to defy the norm.

2 Responses to “Different like Chanel.”

1. Alastair Lancaster says:

   November 10, 2009 at 21:04

   It may be odd that a man like me, 70 next birthday, enjoyed your remarks about Chanel!

   Anita Roddick, founder of The Body Shop, said that she researched all that the great skin-care houses did. Then, walked in the opposite direction! It is all about being unique. Chanel sold dreams, in a dream of a bottle. Distinctiveness is what all seek. With fine emotion added.

   Like you I started blogging recently. Like you, I am now on Barbara Swafford’s register. You are in advance of me with some pictures. I liked yours! I thought of asking you if I could copy one and give a link. But, my text is explosive at the moment. I wonder what idiots may come your way.

   Of course, on the Internet we can never be sure. You got me, for example!

   Reading your posts it occurred to me that you are strengthening character and your belief system. The real you, of course, is always wider and deeper than any blog post can convey.

   You would not BELIEVE the bold thoughts behind my blog! Things yet unsaid. No doubt your enterprising thought will surface as you have fun and proceed.

   Incidentally, may I recommend Dickens? His first paragraphs show off. His humour is hidden behind big words. The last sentences of paragraphs are witty. His writing is visual. His vocabulary is huge. He has a good heart. Assume he writes with a secret smile. And you will probably be right.

   Enjoy blogging!

   Best wishes!

   Alastair

   Reply
   • K says:

     November 11, 2009 at 02:40

     Alastair, I believe you’ve just become my hero. 70 next birthday and you started a blog? That is absolutely wonderful. You have no idea how giddy I am at the moment. I just clicked on your blog, but I was too excited about replying so I decided to do this first, and then check out your blog.

     Chanel, Anita Roddick and all the other wonderful women who have gone their own way with pride and confidence are a huge inspiration for other women. Yes, women have come a long way, but even today, most women have it harder than men. A woman in a top position may be not be as well respected as a man in the same position. But women keep pushing on, and one day I do believe that complete equality will be reached.

     Then again, although I dream of world wide success and influencing peoples lives all over the world (one day – I doubt my blog right now could influence anyone – but every day you continue on you learn more, no?) I am happy knowing that somewhere down the line, maybe I will inspire one single person. That is enough for me. That alone makes me smile.

     And you’re right. I am on a quest to become a better person. I am strengthening my character and my belief system. Since I’ve decided to change the way I think, I’ve already seen a lot of improvement in my overall well being, and every day of posting and meeting new amazing people, brings on a new lesson.

     You know, I love books and I’ve read many classics, but I’ve never read Dickens. Unfortunately the only Dickens I have right now is in German, and my German is a bit too rusty to read such a lengthy book. Perhaps when I travel to London in less than a month, I will buy a copy to read while traveling. In fact, I definitely will. Thank you!

     Thanks for the comment and the recommendations!

     Reply