Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, is widely known today as a fashion icon. She has changed the way women look and interpret fashion. Chanel is one of the most widely known and desired luxurious brands in the world. Coco Chanel was born in France and was raised in an orphanage. Not much is known regarding her childhood since many different resources have stated that she has made up bits of her childhood to get rid of the negative stigma bestowed upon the poor and less fortunate.