A trailblazer in style, Coco Chanel has been an inspiration for generations of designers, from her original founding of the iconic fashion house in 1909 to the modern day reggaeton ode from the one and only Bad Bunny. The late designer’s rap references have been a part of music for decades, being referenced in hip-hop, pop, and more. Now, in the wake of Bad Bunny’s video for “Aura” featuring Chanel as the central figure, this article will take a deep dive into the brief history of Coco Chanel’s references in music genres over the years.
1) Coco Chanel: A Timeless Icon of Style
Coco Chanel remains an iconic figure of style and elegance to this day. Her influence on fashion is still evident, even in modern-day design. From her world-famous perfume to her timeless little black dress, she embodied the essence of chic fashion.
Chanel personified modernity and simplicity with her timeless designs, which blended comfort with luxury and class. Her pieces featured clean lines and shades of natural tones and remain the inspiration for modern designers everywhere. Her iconic use of costume jewelry and tweed transformed the fashion industry, proving that fashion is more than just clothing.
- Designs – Simplicity and luxury embodied in materials such as wool, tweed and jersey.
- Influence – Branding, classic silhouettes still referenced today, from the white blouse to the little black dress and costume jewelry.
- Modernity – Materials and styles still used today, timeless pieces under her label and recognizability.
2) Appreciation for Coco Spreads Across Music Genres
The 2017 animated film Coco and its soundtrack received praise and appreciation from all around the world. While the music of the movie is composed by the remarkable Mexican musician, songwriter, and singer Gustavo Santaolalla, its impact transcends cultures and genres. From mariachi and Spanish pop to traditional Mexican music and jazz standards, the music of Coco has charmed audiences everywhere.
- Mariachi: Mariachi music is recognized all across the Mexican musical spectrum, and as such, it is featured prominently in Coco. From guitar melodies to vibrant trumpets, Mariachi was at the foundation of the score.
- Spanish Pop: The UK-based Latin pop singer Miguel, along with his co-star Natalia Lafourcade from Mexico, lend their vocals to the soundtrack. This gives the movie an international shine and added visibility.
- Traditional Mexican Music: Breaking from the traditional sound of Mariachi, the music of Coco also includes lighter and groovier elements of Mexican music. From the vallenatos to the corridos, the soundtrack of the movie has something for every listener.
- Jazz Standards: Bringing Coco full circle, the last act of the film is scored with a jazzy version of the song “Remember Me”. This rendition, covered by the jazz artist Michael Pellera, adds another layer of smoothness to the film.
The amalgamation of Mexican music featuring Mariachi and Spanish Pop and traditional tunes, along with Jazz Standards, has created an unforgettable soundtrack with wide appeal among all genres. The music of Coco has truly left a lasting impression and continues to be beloved by fans all over the world.
3) A Hip-hop, Pop and Reggaeton Exploration of Coco Chanel
Coco Chanel has been an iconic figure in the fashion world since the early 1900s. Her style, intelligence and originality has greatly influenced the industry, leaving a legacy that still stands today. But Coco Chanel’s influence is not just restricted to the runway – it’s been seen in global music scenes too.
Take hip-hop, pop and reggaeton, for instance. Each genre has produced a notable number of songs inspired by Chanel and her style. From Cardi B’s ‘Bodak Yellow’ to Daddy Yankee’s ‘Gasolina’, there is an impressive selection of tunes out there jam-packed with references to the world of Chanel –
- Hip-hop: Cardi B – ‘Bodak Yellow’; Drake – ‘Nice for What’; Kendrick Lamar – ‘Backseat Freestyle’
- Pop: Lady Gaga – ‘Poker Face’; Ariana Grande – ‘No Tears Left To Cry’; Billie Eilish – ‘Bad Guy’
- Reggaeton: Daddy Yankee – ‘Gasolina’; Don Omar – ‘Reggaeton Latino’; Ozuna – ‘Te Vas’
These songs paint a vivid picture of an ode to Coco Chanel: encapsulating her fashion sense and capturing the spirit of the woman herself. Each lyric, beat and flow adds an extra layer of depth and complexity to the mix. It’s fair to say this exploration of Chanel has had a transformative effect on the world of music.
4) Bad Bunny Pays Homage to the Iconic Designer
Rapper Bad Bunny has celebrated his Latino pride and music career by collaborating with designer Gustavo Moniaga to create a clothing line paying homage to his Colombian heritage. The line includes unique streetwear pieces – some of them are statement pieces inspired by traditional Latin American shapes, and others are reimagined versions of traditional garments.
Bad Bunny’s line features a range of pieces – from hoodies, cargo pants, tees, and accessories such as baseball caps, to an iconic denim jacket and bag. For some of these items, Moniaga has used cultural references such as Colombian textiles and his native country’s national flower, bringing an authentic and stylish twist to the designs. Bad Bunny has expressed his admiration for Moniaga’s work and his commitment to traditional Latin American culture:
- “Gustavo and I share the same passion for celebrating authentic Latin culture through our clothing. I think he is a very talented designer, and it is an honor to collaborate with him.”
Coco Chanel transcends fashion, inspiring artists and their fans alike with her inimitable style. We’re sure to see even more timeless references to the iconic designer in music of all genres, and her legacy is sure to live forever.
