Historical Figures. How Global Icon Coco Chanel Reinvented Women's Fashion. By: Carrie Whitney, Ph.D. | Updated: Aug 24, 2022. Gabrielle Coco Chanel, couturier, in her preferred pose, lounging in a chair. George Hoyningen-Huene/Conde Nast via Getty Images. Coco Chanel is an icon for fashion and feminism.