Whether it be a handbag, a pair of sunglasses, or a classic suit, owning a piece of Chanel is a goal and a source of pride that transcends nations and other fashion tastes. AskBronny takes a look at this most influential and iconic of women in fashion.

Despite coming from a poor background, and having little education, Coco Chanel had a personality that was considered ahead of her time, and which secured her place in fashion history. She aimed to shock, and challenged what women thought they wanted. She designed clothing that she believed every woman should have, and in the process created an empire with creations that now, every woman knows she wants. Her designs targeted those in the know – and the aim was to ensure those in the know wanted what she had. It worked. Coco Chanel modernised the female dress, and is today recognised as the creator of the little black dress, and the desire of every woman to have one. Coco Chanel made her name by bucking the conventional trends and styles of her time. Today, Karl Lagerfeld continues to do likewise at the helm of Chanel as it continues through the 21st century.

So what makes Chanel so unique, and adored worldwide? Allow AskBronny to cover the basics.

Of course there are the iconic elements. The interlinked Cs of Chanel are recognised, desired, and copied, around the globe. These and other signature details such as the quilted leather of the coveted handbags, and the unmistakable two tone shoes make a Chanel item instantly recognisable, and instantly in demand.

The key to the iconic elements is that the house of Chanel has never shied away from its classics, and the signature elements have lived on. Particularly iconic is the Chanel tweed suit, first inspired by Coco’s visits to Scotland with the Duke of Westminster. Our favourite fashionistas in Sex and the City showed how this style has the ability to transcend both time and target market, illustrated best when you consider that both Charlotte and her evil mother in law Bunny sported classic tweed Chanel suits at different stages of the series.  New takes on tweed are a regular feature of Chanel’s modern day collections, as are chic simplicity in the designs’ use of black, white and gold. Gold buttons still feature, and so do four-pocket jackets. The House of Chanel produces designs and details that have been shown to influence not only what fashionistas want to wear, but also other designers’ collections.

Chanel focuses on a lifestyle, which is evident in not only the product, but also the branding. Chanel is a way of life, and a way of life that it has been said, all ladies want a piece of.

Karl Lagerfeld has said "My favourite Coco is the early one: the rebellious, capricious one… it is she I think of when creating my collections." Not only an inspiration for us everyday women, but an inspiration for Lagerfeld. How much more influential could this first lady of fashion have been?