Coco Chanel, in the form of Annette Baldwin, historical performance artist, came to visit the Levy Senior Center on March 13. Baldwin charmed the crowd as she captured the essence of Chanel’s business savvy, competitiveness, and superb fashion instincts.
The audience watching and listening to Baldwin’s 45-minute performance was enthralled as they were wordlessly transported to France in the early 1900s. Baldwin as Chanel described how the designer got her start as a milliner.
She told of the important men in her life who provided the financial means to start House of Chanel, and how she was able to survive after inevitable setbacks.
Without once dropping her characterization of the designer, Baldwin shared some of Chanel’s fashion tips: Confidence is the most important fashion accessory. Trust your instincts about what looks good on you. The woman wears the clothes—the clothes should not wear the woman.
It was a wonderful, enjoyable afternoon. We look forward to inviting Annette Baldwin back to another Levy Senior Center lecture soon.
About the Lecture
One hundred years ago, Coco Chanel insisted that women be comfortable in their clothes. That mandate, along with Chanel’s personal style to prove it, has had a pervading influence on what women wear: think the Little Black Dress, trousers, and endless strands of pearls.
Chanel’s extraordinary business acumen sent her straight through the “glass ceiling,” and in 1996 she was named among the top ten tycoons of the 20th Century.
Through Annette Baldwin’s presentation, Chanel pulls no punches revealing her theories and innovations, the backing of her rise to fame, the influences of certain men in her life, and the story of Chanel No. 5.
About the Lecture Series
The Levy Senior Center Foundation continues their new lecture series this year for residents 55+ years who are passionate about learning.
All lectures will be held in the Linden Room at the Levy Senior Center at 300 Dodge Avenue in Evanston. The lectures are free, but registration is required.
Reserve your place in one of three easy ways: visit levyseniorcenterfoundation.org, call (847) 448-8250 or stop by the center’s front desk. Space is limited and lectures fill up quickly, so be sure to register early.
Article provided by Wendi Kromash, LSCF Board Member