For readers of The Paris Wife and Z comes this vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel—the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman’s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and become one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century.Born into rural poverty, … century.
Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to orphanage after their mother’s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle’s exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood.
Transforming herself into Coco—a seamstress and sometime torch singer—the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny.
Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco’s reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her.
An enthralling novel of an extraordinary woman who created the life she desired, Mademoiselle Chanel explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion and artistic vision would become her trademark.
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Chanel No. 5 has been my perfume for decades. The story of her life and accomplishments is inspirational and extremely entertaining. I was drawn in from the beginning page and could not put the book down till the last. My emotions were a roller coaster like her life, heart breaking pain and despair to the height if joyful success. I will read this …
Interestingly told story of Coco Chanel. Not sure how much of the story is fact and how much is the authors imagination, but made me want to learn more.
Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel forever linked with classic style lead a life filled with twits and turns. This staunchly independent woman went against convention, spurred on by very humble beginnings to become wealthy and influential.
The story is filled with well described characters who occupied the arts and political fields and traces the many …
I knew very little about Coco Chanel and this novel about her life was very enlightening. Somewhat sympathetic, but not overly so, it did not whitewash the less than savory details of her life.
Have always had a love for Coco Chanel, her style and rise to fame. The book is an easy read and a picture of the times. Very enjoyable.
Interesting history of Chanel–especially the early years. After her success, the story becomes heavy on dress details and people of the era who come and go. Chanel herself is an unappealing character as the lead in a historical fiction. But as the story of a woman determined to succeed no matter what, it’s quite successful.
Loved this book. It was quite interesting to learn about Chanel. She was quite an interesting character. The author did a great job of bringing her back to life and made her relatable and fascinating.
I had no idea I would be so interested in Coco Chanel nor did I have any idea she lead such a complicated life. I knew next to nothing about her when I started the book, including when she was born and died. I could not put the book down. Loved it. Fascinating. And you’ll learn how her perfume got its name.
I enjoyed picturing the life of Coco Channel and was truly surprised at her beginnings and her fortitude in business and life. Informative and enjoyable.
I loved it for the period in history and the amazing woman who threaded her life through a complex and frightening time.
This was an enjoyable story. It prompted me to read more on Coco and her life history.
I found the writing to be a tad “fashion-detail-heavy” unnecessarily in parts and I think that the read felt a bit “bulky” in parts as well. It could have been paired down and no import would have been lost and made it a much shorter read.
But overall, I …
Always was interested in this style icon. Had no idea of her humble beginnings. She was so original and true to herself.
This was a very informative book about Channel and it’s history. Definitely worth reading. I enjoyed it.
An interesting look at a fashion icon. Good historical fiction.
Very intriguing biography, enjoyable read.
I enjoyed this book about someone who was famous but out of my realistic world.
How much of it was true, who knows. I assume that the author did the research. A lot of French words used.
I loved this book and author
I loved getting to know Coco! What an inspiring woman!!
The iconic Coco Chanel came from humble beginnings to become one of the most successful women in Europe, before it was accepted that nice women went into trades. Her interesting life is interwoven with world events, and even though some of her choices were regretful in the end, she still walked to the beat of her own drummer, and lived a full …
I truly enjoyed reading this book! What a life!!! The author makes it easy to read and very easy to fall teh story and teh characters. It is very well written. I highy recomend.