[Ads-l] Quote Origin Update: One has to take away something. Always to take off, never to add (Coco Chanel)

[ADSGarson O'Toole]

Back in 2023 I posted a Quote Investigator article about a saying
attributed to Coco Chanel. Here are three versions:

(1) Always remove one piece of jewelry before you go out.
(2) Always remove one thing before you walk out the door.
(3) A woman, to be perfectly dressed, should at the last moment remove
one accessory.

I was unable to find substantive support for the ascription to Coco
Chanel. Recently, a correspondent, Norman Anderson, told me about an
article published in "Time" magazine on August 22, 1960 in which
Chanel presented a pertinent guideline about fashion design:

[Begin excerpt]
The secret of fashion is simple, says Coco: "One always begins by
making dream dresses. Then one has to take away something. Always to
take off, never to add. Some people think luxury is the contrary of
being poor. No, it is the contrary of vulgarity."
[End excerpt]

Chanel's comment provided a thematic match, so I included it in the
updated QI article located here:

Adage Provenance: Before You Leave the House, Look in the Mirror and
Remove One Piece of Jewelry
https://quoteinvestigator.com/2023/02/02/jewelry/

Garson

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