The Dark Side of Coco Chanel

From Right Answers Mostly by Claire Donald & Tess Bellomo

May 25, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

This episode explores the complex and controversial life of Coco Chanel, examining her impact on fashion and the darker aspects of her legacy.

This week, we unravel the myth of Coco Chanel, the woman who revolutionized women’s fashion, built one of the most powerful luxury empires in history, and carefully crafted herself into a feminist icon. But behind the pearls, perfume, and little black dresses was a much darker story. From poverty and ambition to affairs with powerful men, antisemitism, Nazi collaboration allegations, and the reinvention of her own legacy, we explore how Coco Chanel became both a symbol of female freedom and one of fashion’s most controversial figures. Was she a visionary? A social climber? A survivor? A villain? Maybe all four. Grab a cigarette and your tweed blazer, because this one is messy. Created and produced by Tess Bellomo & Claire Donald If you want the full episode, and to get THREE bonus episodes a month, go here. Follow us on socials, buy merch, and stay updated here! Sources: Chanel Unbuttoned BBC, Wikipedia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Hosts: Tess Bellomo, Claire Donald

Topics covered

Coco Chanel
fashion history
feminism
Nazi collaboration
controversial figures
women's empowerment

Keywords

Coco Chanel
fashion
feminism
Nazi collaboration
history
controversy
luxury empire

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chanel, BBC, Wikipedia