Still, if for no other reason that the pics she shows us and the info she presents on Chanel´s childhood, it is a must read! Gabrielle Chanel was born in a poorhouse; her parents were unmarried and, according to Chanel, her mother Jeanne died of tuberculosis when Chanel was aged six. She studied Visual Communication at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and illustration at the University of the Arts Berlin, where she is based now.

I have a passing knowledge of Coco Chanel but this book really helped me learn a lot more about her. Justine Picardie brings the mysterious Gabrielle Chanel out of hiding, to celebrate her great achievements. I wanted to enjoy this book; I really thought I would; but I didn't, and I feel any reader would think their time better spent on other books. Chanel introduced the world to the now iconic "little black dress," a simple yet elegant garment that has become a staple in every woman's wardrobe.It is accepted by you that Daunt Books has no control over additional charges in relation to customs clearance.

Despite the adversity she faced during her early years, her ambition shone through to make her name one of the most recognised in the fashion industry and the world. It's always a good thing when an author attempts to avoid speculation, even if not always successful. I realize things were different back then, but the fact that Chanel lied about her life really turned me off to her. a certain partiality in the way she treats some events of Coco´s life, and her decisions, can be felt in some parts of the book. This book was an absolute joy to read and I have to say thank you to Pen and Sword and White Owl for giving me the opportunity to discover such unbelievable facts about the icon and legend that Coco Chanel was.Chanel blurred her past so successfully that large swathes of the book were essentially saying 'but of course, nobody really knows. The way the individual chapters are divided show you different sides of this very talented and unique woman.