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Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life
Sleek. Chic. Notoriously guarded. Welcome to the secret world of Gabrielle Chanel.
The story of Chanel begins with an abandoned child, as lost as a girl in a dark fairy tale. Unveiling remarkable new details about Gabrielle Chanel’s early years in a convent orphanage and her flight into unconventional adulthood, Justine Picardie explores what lies beneath the glossy surface...more
The story of Chanel begins with an abandoned child, as lost as a girl in a dark fairy tale. Unveiling remarkable new details about Gabrielle Chanel’s early years in a convent orphanage and her flight into unconventional adulthood, Justine Picardie explores what lies beneath the glossy surface...more
Paperback, 352 pages
Published
August 23rd 2011
by It Books
(first published November 1st 2009)
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The author's sycophantic tone nearly turned me off the book in the first chapter. Yet, as fascinated as I am with women's studies and the cultural changes of the early 20th century, AND French history, AND art history, AND Russian revolutionary history, I've grown enthralled with the story of this fascinating life. Millions of girls were born in poor houses and raised in convents in the late 19th century, and most of them lived and died in the squalor and obscurity of their origins. Somehow Gabr...more
The author could to 'the legend and the life' title have added 'the enigma' without being wrong.
This is not the biography if you want the definitive answers - either to Chanel's background, her love-life nor her exact dealings with the Germans in occupied France during World War II. The reason is simple: that would be an impossible task. The sources are scarce and obscured - much done deliberately by Chanel herself, who not only faked her year of birth when the original didn't suit her.
But I m...more
This is not the biography if you want the definitive answers - either to Chanel's background, her love-life nor her exact dealings with the Germans in occupied France during World War II. The reason is simple: that would be an impossible task. The sources are scarce and obscured - much done deliberately by Chanel herself, who not only faked her year of birth when the original didn't suit her.
But I m...more
Coco Chanel led a very legendary life, which led to a very legendary career. I liked this book a lot because it showed us the real Coco Chanel even though; most of the things the fashion queen told reporters were lies. This book showed Coco Chanel’s strong points as well as her weaknesses. At the age of 12, Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, now known as Coco Chanel, was shipped off to an orphanage with her older sister Julie. Their mother died at the age of 33 and their father refused to take care of th...more
This is one of my favourite non fiction books. I think it's very well written, I looked the way that every chapter in the book dedicated to one major event happening in Gabrielle Chanel's life. I enjoyed reading about every bit of her life especially the first chapter it was unusual yo the rest because it described her home and her childhood.
I think she told lies about her life and child hood because she wanted to change her life hot the way she wanted. I don't think her father was a nice perso...more
I think she told lies about her life and child hood because she wanted to change her life hot the way she wanted. I don't think her father was a nice perso...more
1920s. Fashion. Difficulty. A lot of appeal, basically.
This biography of Coco Chanel is pretty fascinating. I'd found her interesting since I found out the Chanel 2.55 bag was originally the same brown as the colour of the uniforms at the convent where she grew up, with hidden pockets where Coco used to keep her love letters and any spare money. I thought that was one of the best ideas ever. I had no idea about her Nazi past and that she was criticized for conducting an illicit affair with Hans...more
This biography of Coco Chanel is pretty fascinating. I'd found her interesting since I found out the Chanel 2.55 bag was originally the same brown as the colour of the uniforms at the convent where she grew up, with hidden pockets where Coco used to keep her love letters and any spare money. I thought that was one of the best ideas ever. I had no idea about her Nazi past and that she was criticized for conducting an illicit affair with Hans...more
Granted I can't afford the luxury that The House of Chanel sells, but I'm always fascinated by the lives of the glamorous people of the past. Unfortunately, today's "glamorous" people leave much to be desired.
In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.
Coco Chanel
The audiobook was excellent to listen to and went through Chanel's life, from start to finish. Much of what is told is questionable as Coco was never one to tell the exact truth about herself to anyone. Everyone seemed t...more
In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.
Coco Chanel
The audiobook was excellent to listen to and went through Chanel's life, from start to finish. Much of what is told is questionable as Coco was never one to tell the exact truth about herself to anyone. Everyone seemed t...more
I had to read this for book club and what a chore - it is a white washed piece of crap - poor indexing and it mostly seems to be quotes for two others who attempted to write Chanel's bio. This author does EVERYTHING she can to soften, blur, and confuse Chanel's antisemitism, homophobia, drug use, all round bitchy-ness, and especially the facts about her Perfume and spying.
I sometimes struggle with biographies with my short attention span but this one had me engrossed. What a formidable woman Coco was, remaining an icon in the world of fashion right up until her death at 88. She wasn't without her critics and this biography like others about her struggles to determine fact from fiction, such was her determination to keep her life private. Paris was her patch mostly, where she achieving success in spite of the Depression of the 1930's and Nazi occupation in World W...more
It must be hard to write a book about Coco Chanel, when there are lots of versions and stories about her childhood and early years. I had picked this one up at the bookstore, but being as broke as I am, got it out from the library.
There is something magical about the early pictures of Coco Chanel, she was certainly uber stylish and such a trend setter. She also stayed looking very young for a long long time.
I learnt a lot, I didn't know that she was a hunting and fishing gal, hanging out at Engl...more
There is something magical about the early pictures of Coco Chanel, she was certainly uber stylish and such a trend setter. She also stayed looking very young for a long long time.
I learnt a lot, I didn't know that she was a hunting and fishing gal, hanging out at Engl...more
First and foremost, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Being as familiar with fashion as I am, it was in fact an honor to go that deep into Chanel's life by reading this book. By reading this book the readers can not only get a sense of how the major label "Chanel" began, but this book takes us deep into Coco's thought process and emotions; a sort of behind-the-scenes look.
A main reason why I enjoyed the book is that we as the readers are taken back to Chanel's early days, and we realize that her...more
A main reason why I enjoyed the book is that we as the readers are taken back to Chanel's early days, and we realize that her...more
It's no secret that Coco Chanel is a hero of mine, and I've read a lot about her. This is the best biography of her I've read yet.
The book is treasure trove of photos, which really paint a fuller portrait of Gabrielle the person as opposed to Coco Chanel the Legend. Her life was filled with a lot of tragedy, and her last years were very sad, as she discovered she really hadn't wanted to end up alone after all. I see this as a cautionary tale for myself personally.
This book had several explosive...more
The book is treasure trove of photos, which really paint a fuller portrait of Gabrielle the person as opposed to Coco Chanel the Legend. Her life was filled with a lot of tragedy, and her last years were very sad, as she discovered she really hadn't wanted to end up alone after all. I see this as a cautionary tale for myself personally.
This book had several explosive...more
What a fascinating woman! Even if you are not that interested in haute couture, this is an excellent biography. She had a sad life in many ways, as it seems many very wealthy and famous people have, but she overcame these and is recognized the world over for her contribution to clothing as we have become accustomed to wearing. (i.e. comfortable, but beautiful). A dress should move with you, a suit should be functional. Who can ever forget the sight of Jackie Kennedy in her pink Chanel suit after...more
It's probably pretty interesting if you're a huge Chanel fan and/or really into fashion, but I'm neither of these. I guess I'm not the book's target audience! =P That said, it's just a little bit dry. I got tired of hearing how pretty much everything reported about Chanel is up for debate because she lied so much about her life. I realize things were different back then, but the fact that Chanel lied about her life really turned me off to her. (Not that the brand Chanel really cares because it's...more
Jul 17, 2011
Jennifer (JC-S)
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
librarybooks
‘Legend is the consecration of fame.’
The name Coco Chanel is synonymous with style. But what of the woman behind the name: what do we know about the woman who designed simple yet sophisticated clothes, practical but elegant bags and shoes, and presented Chanel No 5 perfume to the world?
There is little simple about Coco Chanel. She was born Gabrielle Chanel on 19 August 1883 – a date that she later changed by hand in her passport. Gabrielle Chanel was born in a poorhouse; her parents were unmarri...more
The name Coco Chanel is synonymous with style. But what of the woman behind the name: what do we know about the woman who designed simple yet sophisticated clothes, practical but elegant bags and shoes, and presented Chanel No 5 perfume to the world?
There is little simple about Coco Chanel. She was born Gabrielle Chanel on 19 August 1883 – a date that she later changed by hand in her passport. Gabrielle Chanel was born in a poorhouse; her parents were unmarri...more
I wanted to like this book but it just didn't make sense. A biographer should know better than to throw all her research at the reader, bit by unimportant bit, and then leave the reader to sort it out. The author is content to tell Coco Chanel's story by listing the things she says about herself, what others say about her, then never clears up the incongruence by telling us what her research turned up on the matter. As a result, I know less about Chanel than when I began! The photos are small, p...more
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Why is it that what makes a person so amazing, also makes them difficult to be around? I probably would not have lasted five minutes in a room with Chanel, but she is fascinating beyond belief. I am still floored, thinking of all the important and influential people she surrounded herself with and the history she lived through. Her clothes are nothing that would suit me, but when the author talked about trying them on and the freedom of movement she felt, I was intrigued. I love that Chanel got...more
Buy this in hardcover or borrow it from the library! The excellent pictures throughout make having the physical book well worth it.
This was a great read into the life of an incredibly fascinating woman. You learn about how Chanel grew up, her various suitors and lifestyle choices, and you experience the empire she built. She took control of her own destiny, building an amazing brand and becoming wealthy / world renowned. I couldn't put thhis one down, and will never look at a bottle of No. 5 or...more
This was a great read into the life of an incredibly fascinating woman. You learn about how Chanel grew up, her various suitors and lifestyle choices, and you experience the empire she built. She took control of her own destiny, building an amazing brand and becoming wealthy / world renowned. I couldn't put thhis one down, and will never look at a bottle of No. 5 or...more
This book is the selected book for the April meeting of our book group. Tomorrow we will front up in black, wearing our pearls and Chanel perfume for our monthly Friday Ladies Literary Luncheon.I have made souvenir bookmarks for the group members with diamante buckles, black ribbon and mannequins wearing quasi-Chanel.
I loved Karl Lagerfield's sketches of Chanel illustrated throughout the book. The many photographs of Chanel and her circle are an important addition to the book.
I didn't expect to...more
I loved Karl Lagerfield's sketches of Chanel illustrated throughout the book. The many photographs of Chanel and her circle are an important addition to the book.
I didn't expect to...more
Taken in consideration that Chanel's life is a big enigma, this is a great research book, but inevitably leave the same questions marks and, possibly, enhances even more the myths about Coco Chanel's life.
Justine Picardie narrative can be a times a bit heavy tiring. I wouldn't consider this as a page turner but it is a great book that you take now and then if you are interested in this amazing designer's life and how she influenced the world of fashion and the way women lived and dressed.
Justine Picardie narrative can be a times a bit heavy tiring. I wouldn't consider this as a page turner but it is a great book that you take now and then if you are interested in this amazing designer's life and how she influenced the world of fashion and the way women lived and dressed.
The cover of the book caught my attention. I've always been fascinated by Coco Chanel. But I found the book to be a bit boring. The 'rags to riches' story is something that's been heard before. Throughout the book the narrator tells you that Coco Chanel was known for being a big liar. I wanted to say "Well, is there anyone who has the facts?" I mean, why write a book based on lies? I needed more pictures. This book will make a great design prop or look good on a coffee table.
Really liked how the author told the story about Chanel's life in chronological order, while also highlighting important details in the separate chapters. Reflections on her humble beginnings in Aubazine play into her success and are reflected on through the book. One has feeling as almost knowing her and feeling that void in her life created by abandonment by her father. Wish there was more about her designs and creations but this is supposed to be her biography and Justine Picardie does a good...more
Apr 01, 2012
Ivette
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
french,
bio-autobio-memoir
Fascinating to me because I knew so little about the life of Coco Chanel. But I have to wonder what, if anything, this book adds to the literature on Chanel. The author did not actually get to interview her subject, as did several of the biographers who came before her. She spends a great deal of time telling us what biographer X or biographer Y had to say about this or that murky period in the life of Chanel. But she doesn't make anything any less murky. Also, her strategy of presenting Coco's...more
Any allure this book has comes from the subject. The writing, though direct, lacks the polish and smoothness that draws one inexplicably forward into a story, and so the biography comes off (potentially on purpose) as distant as Chanel must have seemed to be at times herself. I enjoyed the little bout of history, but I'm not sure I'd recommend this to anyone who didn't already love fashion or Chanel. Not a bad read overall.
I didn't know much about Coco Chanel aside from the fact that she was a famous fashion designer and I like Chanel No.5. This book gave an interesting insight into her life as pieced together by Justine Picardie. Much of Chanel's life was shrouded in secrets, so it's hard to know what is true and what isn't and Picardie makes this very clear in her biography. Picardie's writing style and the various pictures and sketches made it an entertaining read.
This was one of three books selected by my boo...more
This was one of three books selected by my boo...more
Coco Chanel is my all time favorite designer. If ever own a Chanel suit I will be the happiest person on the planet. Coco led an interesting life. She rose from an orphanage to the greatest fashion house in France. Her label will never cease to exist. It is the epitome of beauty and every lady owns a little black dress. If you love fashion then you need to read about Coco Chanel.
Picardie's biography of legendary designer Coco Chanel is a riveting page-turner. The author paints an intimate portrait of Chanel's colorful life and persona. The glossy photos inside are a lovely touch. Chanel was truly an admirable woman who paved the way not only in the field of women's fashion, but for women in the workforce as well. She led a very inspirational life.
I did not feel a flow to the writing. It was non-judgmental in its variety of verbal accounts from various sources, but confusing to an average person who did not want so many versions of history. I respect that it was stated by the author that Gabrielle Chanel gave differing stories to various people so that the reader was not swayed into believing one thing or another.
Could not put it down!After this book, I want to read more and more about her. I think what stands out in this biography is that the author was really trying to be as objective and unbiased as possible, giving accounts of several people on one and the same event in Chanel's life.
Well-researched and written.
Well-researched and written.
If you pick up this book thinking that you will be able to delve into the world that was Chanel, you will be very disappointed. This is a very typical biography, she was born, she lived, she worked, she died.
There is little of the juicy details of running a multi-million dollar fashion and parfum house.
In the end, it was really quite boring. It felt like an ordinary life, nothing special.
I feel this author did a great disservice to her subject.
There is little of the juicy details of running a multi-million dollar fashion and parfum house.
In the end, it was really quite boring. It felt like an ordinary life, nothing special.
I feel this author did a great disservice to her subject.
Žena, která se nebála jít si za svým a snad jen prá věcí v životě litovala. A pokud ne, neměla co by litovala. Inspirující příběh, který patří mezi hvězdné etapy v módním průmyslu. Obdivuji ji, že i přes svůj životní styl se dožila tak vysokého věku a udržela reputaci a kritiku své značky v kladných rovinách. Vřele doporučuji i jiným, kteří sdílejí svou vášeň nejen pro módu.
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“But I've wept so much,' she said to Delay. 'Now I don't cry any more. When you don't cry it's because you no longer believe in happiness.”
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