“A girl should be two things: who and what she wants.”
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— Coco Chanel
This powerful statement from Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel is more than a memorable quote. It serves as a timeless manifesto for female autonomy and self-determination. In just a few words, Chanel captures the essence of a life lived on one’s own terms. She encourages women to define their own identity and pursue their own ambitions. The quote’s enduring appeal lies in its simple, yet revolutionary, call for freedom from external expectations. It challenges us to look inward for our definition of self and outward for our goals.
Chanel herself was the ultimate embodiment of her words. She built a global fashion empire in an era when business was overwhelmingly male-dominated. Therefore, understanding her philosophy requires looking at both the internal journey of self-creation and the external pursuit of one’s dreams.
Defining ‘Who’ You Want to Be
The first part of the quote, “who she wants,” focuses on internal identity. This is about character, values, and authenticity. Chanel suggests that a woman’s primary duty is to herself, not to societal roles or expectations. In her time, society often dictated who a woman should be: a wife, a mother, a homemaker. . Chanel’s words were a radical departure from this norm. Source
Crafting your ‘who’ is an active process. It involves deep self-reflection to understand your core beliefs and principles. Furthermore, it means shedding labels that others may try to impose on you. Are you defined by your job? Your relationships? Or by your integrity, your creativity, your resilience? Choosing ‘who’ you want to be means consciously cultivating the qualities you admire. It is a commitment to personal growth and living a life that feels genuine and true to your spirit. This journey of self-discovery is foundational to a fulfilling life.
Achieving ‘What’ You Want
While the ‘who’ is internal, the ‘what’ is external. This second part of the quote addresses ambition, goals, and worldly achievements. Chanel is not just talking about introspection; she is also championing action. ‘What she wants’ can refer to a career, a creative pursuit, a lifestyle, or any tangible goal a woman sets for herself. For Chanel, this was building her iconic fashion house from the ground up. She revolutionized women’s fashion by creating clothes that were elegant yet comfortable, liberating women from the physical constraints of corsets.
This part of the mantra pushes back against the idea that ambition is an unattractive quality in women. Instead, it frames desire and drive as essential components of a complete person. It empowers women to claim their space in the world. Consequently, pursuing ‘what you want’ requires courage, strategic planning, and hard work. It means identifying your passions and creating a concrete path to turn those dreams into reality. Whether you want to be an artist, an entrepreneur, a scientist, or a community leader, Chanel’s words validate that ambition.
The Modern Woman’s Manifesto
Decades after Chanel’s time, this quote resonates more powerfully than ever. While society has made significant progress, women still face pressures to conform to specific ideals. Social media often presents curated, unrealistic versions of womanhood. Meanwhile, the debate continues over balancing career, family, and personal identity. Chanel’s message provides a clear anchor in a sea of confusing expectations: focus on your own vision for yourself.
This philosophy has clearly influenced generations. We can see its impact in the steady rise of female leadership and entrepreneurship across the globe. Women are increasingly starting their own businesses and taking on leadership roles in every industry. This trend shows a collective move towards the self-determination that Chanel championed.
Living the Chanel Philosophy Today
How can you apply this powerful idea to your own life? The process starts with giving yourself permission to want things. Acknowledge your desires without judgment. Here are a few practical steps:
- Practice Self-Inquiry: Set aside time to think about what truly matters to you. Ask yourself: Who do I want to become? What do I want to achieve? Journaling can be an excellent tool for clarifying your thoughts.
- Set Clear Boundaries: Part of being who you want is saying no to what you are not. Protect your time and energy by setting boundaries with people and commitments that do not align with your goals or values.
- Take Action: Dreams remain dreams without action. Break your ‘what’ into smaller, manageable steps. Celebrate small victories along the way to build momentum. Every step forward, no matter how small, is progress.
Ultimately, Coco Chanel’s famous quote is a call to authorship. It urges every woman to become the author of her own life story. It’s about defining your own character and then building a life that reflects that character. By embracing both ‘who’ and ‘what’ she wants, a woman can build a life of purpose, authenticity, and profound satisfaction.