Augustin Chanel: the unknown story of Coco Chanel's brother

But who was Augustin Chanel, Coco Chanel‘s little brother?

This discreet figure of the family clan continues to hide many mysteries.

• Also to be read: The tragic story of Antoinette Chanel (Coco’s little sister)

Born on Thursday 28 May 1891, he was the seventh child of Henri Albert Chanel (1856 – 1909) and Jeanne Eugénie Devolle (1863 – 1895).

Knowing that Gabrielle Chanel was born on Monday, August 20, 1883 in Saumur, Maine-et-Loire (49400).

Born: 19 August 1883, Saumur, France
Died: 10 January 1971, Hôtel Ritz Paris, Paris, France
Full name: Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel
Siblings: Alphonse Chanel, Antoinette Chanel, Lucien Chanel, Augustin Chanel, Julia Chanel,
Award: Neiman Marcus Fashion Award

— َ (@balmerjeon) December 30, 2020

There are exactly 2838 days of difference between the two siblings.

That is about 405 weeks.

• Also to be read: Who was Lucien Chanel (Augustin’s older brother)?

The future great fashion designer was the third child of the family.

Unfortunately, the infant mortality rate in France was very high at the time.

And on Thursday, November 26, 1891, Augustin died at the age of only 182 days.

An early disappearance that has left a lasting impression on the young woman.

Life in the French countryside was extremely harsh. 

It’s for that reason Coco decided to escape from her social condition by “going to Paris“.

A life choice that proved to be fruitful as she started making hats.

Before becoming one of the biggest fashion icons.