Biographic: Coco

by Sophie Collins

Many people know that Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel (1883–1971) was a prolific French fashion designer and founder of the House of Chanel, who ruled over Parisian haute couture for almost six decades. What, perhaps, they don't know is that, she was taught to sew by nuns and started Chanel by making hats; that she lived in a suite at the Ritz Hotel, Paris, for 37 years; that, in 1935, she was recognized as the world's wealthiest woman; and that, prior to her fashion career, she worked as a singer, famously gaining the nickname "Coco" from one of her songs. This book presents a visual catwalk through her life and work, with an array of irresistible facts and figures converted into infographics to reveal the genius behind the garments.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

About the author

Sophie Collins is a writer, editor and resident expert on supernatural romance. Author of How to Date a Vampire, she currently lives and works in the UK.

Reviews

[Julie M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bel ouvrage, le format est agréable à lire mais ne rentre pas dans les détails de la vie de l’icône de la mode, ce qui est un petit peu dommage vu la complexité du personnage. Donne envie de se renseigner plus sur l’artiste car les faits choisis sont très intéressants et la mise en page comporte de belles images et représentations.

[Tosha · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very easy read, and written in a more 'comic' form. Little boxes full of tid-bits. It seems that we can't trust everything we have heard about Gabrielle Chanel. She liked to 'embellish' to her life stories when she told them to others. That makes it difficult for facts.

I enjoyed the comparison of COCO Chanel to other designers of her time. I also enjoyed reading about her designs and why her company still thrives.

[Tara Thieleke · Rating 5 out of 5]

By far the most informative of short biographies I’ve read on Coco Channel. I appreciate how it’s organized chronologically, according to her creative accomplishments, and by her social connections. It helps one understand the context of her era, relationships, and creativity and the true impact her designs had on women’s lives. The illustrations are great, however the fine black print on some colorful backgrounds is a challenge to read.

[Yomi Olufidipe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 stars seems so harsh but that’s more so reflected in me being bored of this type of book (taking a break from it loool) but the last 30ish pages were so fascinating and interesting.

What a Woman. She joins the Irene Adler, Anais Nin, Lola Montes & India Song class of Icons (in my book lol)

+ Coco Chanel, Jean Cocteau & Pablo Picasso … I can easily I don’t know if I’ve ever been more sad at not being part of a co conversation FFS 🥺🥺🥺… THE TALENT?!?!?!?

[Velvet · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was such a fun way to learn a decent amount about Coco Chanel quickly. I’m looking forward to reading her other biographics!

[Terri Keaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

Did not realize this was a graphic novel when I ordered it. In her early life she grew up poor with a wandering sorry father. She grew into a tough one! Lead a colorful life!

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting format. A quick read.

[Sylvia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Justo lo que esperaba: una biografía corta y rápida de leer. Ideal para tener una idea general sobre la vida y obra de Coco Chanel. Aún conociendo un poco la vida de Coco he descubierto algunos detalles que no sabia y lo que ya conocía me ha gustado verlo reflejado en una infografía.