Chanel

Collection of Heidi Boyce Broström (1939–2022), widow of shipowner Dan-Axel Broström (1915–1976).
From the Collection of Heidi Boyce Broström (1943-2022) and Dan Axel Broström (1915-1976).

Dan Axel Broström was the third-generation ship-owner in the prestigious Broström Company group. When he took over the firm in 1949 they had 18 000 employees.
The Canadian model and geologist Heidi was Dan-Axel Broströms third wife, the couple lived at the fashionable Särö, a few miles south of Gothenburg.

Chanel is a French fashion house established in 1920 bby Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, or more commonly known as Coco. Coco Chanel started her career as a seamstress and singer, but in 1910 she founded her millinery shop. In 1913 Coco opened another shop in Deauville, where she introduced everyday clothing which were appropriate for leasure and sport. Chanel helped women worldwide to stop wearing corsets, adopting a sportier and more relaxed silhouette inspired by men's wardrobes, using jersey fabric, which was previously used mainly for underwear. "The Little Black Dress," referring to knee-length, elegant but simple black dresses, is also associated with Coco Chanel. She popularized tweed fabric, which is evident in the classic "Chanel suit"—a two-piece suit with a knee-length skirt and jacket. Other design icons signed by Coco Chanel include the quilted bag "2.55."

Chanel's influence extended beyond clothing, impacting women's fashion by promoting comfort, simplicity, and elegance. Her innovative designs and forward-thinking approach to fashion have left a lasting legacy, making Chanel one of the most iconic and enduring names in the fashion industry.