Jacques Helleu & Chanel

by Jacques Helleu, Susan Pickford (Translator), Laurence Benaïm (Introduction)

Jacques Helleu is the eye behind the House of Chanel’s enduring image, having explored the meanings of this legendary brand in daring commercials and fabulous print ads for the past 40 years. He has given tangible, glamorous shape to the essential mystique of Chanel’s perfumes, by bringing together artistic luminaries (from photographer Helmut Newton, to director Baz Luhrman, to actress Catherine Deneuve, and countless others) and masterfully guiding the creative combustion that has resulted.

This beautifully designed and lavishly illustrated volume tells the story of Helleu’s vision. Stiletto magazine founder Laurence Benaïm’s foreword puts Helleu’s grand influence into perspective, and Helleu himself presents four decades of inspiration, arranged from A to Z in themes, Allure. Coco. Egoïste. Femme. Goude. Joaillerie. N°5. Newton. Penn. Proust. Rouge. Séduction. Style. Temps. Vitesse. Warhol.

280 pages, Hardcover

First published October 1, 2006

Reviews

[H · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 instant-classic stars.

I've wanted to read this book since middle school.

It promised to be a sumptuous history of Chanel, as told through the work of Chanel's longtime artistic director, Mr. Jacques Helleu.

At long last, I tracked down a copy.

And it was as magical as I thought it'd be.

If this book ever crosses your path, pleasepleaseplease read it. Stunning isn't even the word.