CHANEL. The History of the Fashion House

Returning to Paris in 1954 after a lengthy exile, 71-year-old Coco Chanel presented her new collection and, as before, caused a sensation in the fashion world. What drove her remains a subject of speculation, as does the question of who Chanel herself really was… From her early years, she surrounded herself with myth and brilliantly played her role. She skillfully combined the story of her difficult past with the reputation of a world-famous designer. This book tells the story of the fate and legacy of a fashion legend, the evolution and innovations of the fashion house over the century. From the early steps of the hat business and the creation of iconic pieces that made the name Chanel famous: the little black dress, the tweed suit, and faux pearls, to the global empire under the guidance of the inimitable Karl Lagerfeld. More than 100 rare archival illustrations will help take a journey through time and pay tribute to one of the most prestigious fashion houses in the world and the woman behind it.