Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion

by Megan Hess

Join internationally renowned fashion illustrator Megan Hess as she explores the timeless beauty and glamour of ten of France's best-loved designers in a stylish celebration of one of the world's favorite fashion destinations.

From the courts of Versailles to the cobbled streets of Paris, French fashion has always been the epitome of elegance. Whether it's Dior's New Look, Yves Saint Laurent's Le Smoking jacket or Chanel's little black dress, the masters of French fashion understand that clothing is more than a it's an art form.

Megan Hess's love for French style sparked her career in fashion illustration. In these pages, she unspools the threads of ten legendary designers – Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Givenchy, Chloé, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Hermès and Celine – to discover the origins of haute couture, prêt-à-porter and everything chic.

Accompanied by Megan's exquisite illustrations of current and archival collections,  The Beauty of French Fashion tells the story of how France's iconic fashion houses have influenced the very fabric of design.

Genres: Fashion, Nonfiction, Historical, Art, History

192 pages, Hardcover

Published October 15, 2019

About the author

Megan Hess was destined to draw.

An initial career in graphic design evolved into art direction for some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008 Hess illustrated the New York Times number one selling book Sex And The City - written by Candace Bushnell. She has since illustrated portraits for Vanity Fair and Time, created iconic accessories for Henri Bendel and illustrated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York.

Hess’s signature style can also be found on her bespoke range of silk scarves, cushions and Limited Edition prints sold around the globe.

She has written and illustrated 3 best selling books: Fashion House, The Dress and Coco Chanel.

Her renowned clients include: Prada, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., Yves Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, Fendi, Ladurée, Givenchy, Wedgwood, Salvatore Ferragamo, Michelle Obama, Cartier, Laduree, Montblanc, Balenciaga, Guerlain, Paspaley, Tag Heuer, and Disney.

Reviews

[Becky Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything about this beauty is just incredible

[Zoë⋆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book, once again all of Megan Hess' illustrations are beautiful. I just love flicking through, admiring the art whilst learning more about some of my favorite French designers. This is my third book I've read from Megan and have got more of her books on my shelf, sitting there pretty, waiting for me to read- and I can't wait!

[Sophie Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

"French fashion is all in the details. It is delicate, understated and demure..." 🌸

Anyone who knows me well will be aware of my love and adoration of Megan Hess ~ her latest book, 'Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion', is a beautiful collection and recreation of the dreamy pieces from the most influential french designers including... Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Chloé, Balmain, Lanvin, Louis Vuitton, Celine, Hèrmes, Saint Laurent, Givenchy & Balenciaga

My two favourite french designers will always be Coco Chanel and Christian Dior but it was so interesting to read more about the wondrous lives of strong female French brands such as Lanvin and Chloé.

Each chapter focuses on a particular designer and is followed by a series of whimsical illustrations displaying Megan's favourite looks from each brands recent collections - this is the ideal read for anyone who adores french fashion or Megan's illustrations 🕊🎀

[bookborrower · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the prettiest books I’ve flipped through! The designs are so detailed and amazing! I’ve actually photocopied several of the pages in this book so I could print and display them in my room (I took this book out through the library).

[Susannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Megan Hess' illustration style, which I first noticed in magazines and books. I have read her books on fashion before, and enjoyed them. This time, she has created a tome dedicated to the French fashion pioneers. Included are: Chanel, Dior, Saint Laurent, Lanvin, Givenchy, Chloe, Balmain, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Celine. Each chapter includes 4 pages about the history of each person and their fashion house, and Hess' illustrations of some of her favourite looks from their collections. It was very interesting to read how these fashion houses were founded, and in such a beautifully presented book. Recommended for fashion lovers.

[Liv · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure if this counts as a real book, but I wanted to be able to give this the recognition it deserves. Of course the illustrations were impeccable, but the stories of each designer were written in a captivating and inspiring way. She wrote about how it was okay to start later in life as well as living your childhood dream. This was a quick read, if you can even call it that, but I enjoyed every page.

[Inside a Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegance is a smooth introduction into the world of French fashion. Each chapter features several beautiful illustrations and a brief rundown on each house's history. In addition to a stunning cover, (and gold sprayed pages) Elegance is an welcomed addition to my ever growing collection and an easy recommendation to others.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t help but love Hess’ work. There is just something about it that makes me astounded and giddy: it’s like a picture book for adults full of incredible fashion. And Elegance: The Beauty of French Fashion is no different.

[Sharon Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visually stunning pictures as is the context about fashion houses and how they came to be.

[Victoria Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exquisite in design and execution. An intriguing and informative look into french haunted couture.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

The usual gorgeous illustrations but took time to read the tiny print synopsis of each designer.

[Cheryl Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming overview of 10 great French fashion houses by Megan Hess, lavishly and beautifully illustrated by the author. A delightful and gorgeous book!

[Aisha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated, fun and informative. I loved this book and can’t wait to own the whole collection!

[Heidi Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully presented and easy to follow format, this book is a true gem! Absolutely lovely.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just as gorgeous as ever! My obsession with Megan Hess has been reignited! Loved the mention of multiple designers and the illustrations were stunning!

[Baroness · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute short read.

[Gabriella Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I adored the layout of this book! The collection were to die for and the book was very informative. Absolutely love

[Purplepanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read for fans of fashion and designers with a little bit of history about them and a lot of beautiful illustrations!

[Omar Khedr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing insight into the french fashion houses

[Saturday's Child · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm enjoying reading these lovely illustrated books in between my reading of novels.

[Gwen Kubberness · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the fashion world I even went to Modeling school wanting to be a big time model in my early 20's.

[Donna G · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book for the illustrations and was not disappointed. It is a stunning book and always makes me smile when I flick through.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The illustrations are amazing and the history of the Fashion Houses is very interesting.

[PottWab Regional Library]

SM

[YJun · Rating 4 out of 5]

illustrations of dresses are nice, but hess's models only come in two shades: ultra white (98% of the time) or a strange murky brown that most POC don't have. can't say i'm a fan.

[Leah ⚯͛ · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Elegant” gives a sneak peak into the lives of fashion designers that have pathed the way of what we wear. It’s a beautiful read and a beautiful book. With stunning depictions from the author and illustrations of the authors favourite looks off the runway. Great to read over a coffee and looks stunning on my bookshelf☕️

[Bree · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opulent. A feast for the eyes. Another gorgeous Megan Hess book! She has such style & flare.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Increíble libro cuidado al detalle en su diseño y contenido

[Bella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Gorgeous inspo for my silly little fashion sketches 🩷