Coco Chanel

An Essence of Mystery

Isabelle Fiemeyer

£16.99

An updated authorized edition of Isabelle Fiemeyer’s literary biography of Coco Chanel, which demystifies the legendary designer’s life

See Inside

Overview

Coco Chanel was an emancipated fashion revolutionary. Raised by nuns in an orphanage, she rose to become a star of the world of couture and a byword for stylish elegance. But now, a fascinating new light can be shed on her life and career.

During the Second World War, Chanel closed her couture house, but accepted the enemy’s help in rescuing her beloved nephew from a prison camp. However, as newly declassified information reveals, she did not supply any information in exchange for this favour. Moreover, it now seems that she was unknowingly listed as an agent because of her British connections and friendship with Winston Churchill.

Featuring unpublished and exclusive content based on first-hand interviews with Chanel’s great-niece and confidante, this evocative portrait is based on years of painstaking archive research and tells the true story of the twentieth century’s most celebrated yet enigmatic fashion icon.

Reviews

'No author knows the story of Coco Chanel better than Isabelle Fiemeyer'
Paris Match

'A remarkable document that reads like a novel'
Le Parisien

'Isabelle Fiemeyer clearly and sensitively traces the intimate portrait of this genius couturier, grande dame of the twentieth century'
Lire Magazine

Book Details

Format: Hardback

Size: 21.6 x 13.5 cm

Extent: 224 pp

Illustrations: 13

Publication date: 14 September 2023

ISBN: 9780500027318

About the Author

Isabelle Fiemeyer is a literary and fashion historian who has written widely on the subject of Coco Chanel, including Intimate Chanel and Chanel: The Enigma.