Coco Chanel was born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel on August 19, 1883, in Saumur, France. Her early years were anything but glamorous. At age 12, after her mother died, Chanel was taken to an orphanage by her father, who worked as a street vendor. Chanel was raised by nuns who taught her to sew, a skill that would lead to her life's work. Her nickname comes from another occupation entirely. During her brief singing career, Chanel performed at clubs in Vichy and Moulins, where she was called "Coco." S...