Despite the fact that Chanel did not have the breeding of the upper class, in 1912 she met the wealthy
socialite, Arthur "Boy" Capel who helped her open her first hat shop in 1913. But her real break came
in the early '20s during the Great Depression when Chanel, with the financial help of Capel, opened her
first and now legendary shop at 31 rue Cambon.
In 1931, Chanel was hired by Samuel Goldwin for one million dollars to dress his stars, including Kathrine
Hepburn, Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor and Gloria Swanson. This lasted for a very short time, however,
as many starlets refused her service. Later that decade, back in her hometown, Chanel designed and
developed an array of costume jewelry inspired by the "art deco" movement of the '30s.