The camellia is one of the most famous symbols of Chanel. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel loved the flower because of its simple shape, perfect round petals, and because it has no fragrance. This meant it could be worn with perfume without changing its scent.
The camellia became part of Chanel's designs in the early 1900s. One of the earliest known photos shows Coco Chanel wearing a white camellia on her belt in 1913. Later, the flower appeared on hats, dresses, jackets, jewelry, and accessories.
The flower was also linked to the novel The Lady of the Camellias by Alexandre Dumas fils, a story Coco Chanel admired. The camellia already had a strong place in French culture before Chanel made it one of the house's symbols.
Karl Lagerfeld often used the camellia in his collections. One of the best-known examples is the Chanel Spring/Summer 1992 runway show. The set looked like an enchanted garden, and models such as Linda Evangelista, Claudia Schiffer, Helena Christensen, and Christy Turlington wore camellia details in their looks.
Another important collection was Chanel Fall/Winter 2023 by Virginie Viard. The entire show was inspired by the camellia. Large white camellia sculptures surrounded the runway, and many looks included embroidered flowers, camellia prints, and floral details. Virginie Viard described the camellia as "more than a theme" and called it one of Chanel's eternal symbols.
The camellia has appeared on many of Chanel's most famous designs, including brooches, ballet flats, silk scarves, handbags, fine jewelry, and Haute Couture dresses. Many fabric camellias are made by hand, with each petal shaped and assembled by skilled artisans before the flower is finished.
For more than a century, the camellia has remained one of the most important symbols of Chanel, representing the elegance and simplicity that Coco Chanel wanted to express in her designs.