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What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion
If Coco Chanel were to give a masterclass on design, creativity and attitude, what wisdom would she impart? Discover the life, work and legacy of Chanel in this sharply curated biography focusing on artistic spirit.
Chanel’s ethos captured the imagination of post-war women, releasing them from the corseted silhouette and changing what we wore forever. But how did Chanel think? How did her experiences shape her creative career? And how was her no-holds-barred attitude reflected in her work? What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion breaks down Chanel's life and work into memorable maxims that epitomise her ground-breaking perspective – including Poverty Can Be Luxury, Rebel Against Your Rivals, Find Your Spirit Animal and Twist Textile Traditions. This book uncovers Chanel's creative approach, her inspirations, her business acumen and the details that make her designs so timeless.
With pithy, illuminating text and inspirational photographs, learn something from Chanel and apply it to your own life, creativity and style. These are the things that really define what it means to be Chanel.
Small and beautifully formed – if you like this, What Alexander McQueen Can Teach You About Fashion is also available.
Chanel’s ethos captured the imagination of post-war women, releasing them from the corseted silhouette and changing what we wore forever. But how did Chanel think? How did her experiences shape her creative career? And how was her no-holds-barred attitude reflected in her work? What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion breaks down Chanel's life and work into memorable maxims that epitomise her ground-breaking perspective – including Poverty Can Be Luxury, Rebel Against Your Rivals, Find Your Spirit Animal and Twist Textile Traditions. This book uncovers Chanel's creative approach, her inspirations, her business acumen and the details that make her designs so timeless.
With pithy, illuminating text and inspirational photographs, learn something from Chanel and apply it to your own life, creativity and style. These are the things that really define what it means to be Chanel.
Small and beautifully formed – if you like this, What Alexander McQueen Can Teach You About Fashion is also available.
- GenresFashionNonfiction
144 pages, Hardcover
Published October 12, 2021
8 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 3, 2022
I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion is a gorgeous and informative read about Coco Chsnel and her passion for fashion. This book covers everything from how Coco learned to sew from being taught by Nuns at an orphanage, to how and where she got inspiration for her fashion styles and designs. Coco created such amazing fashion designs that are timeless and chic. She made such an impact on shaping women's fashion which wasn't without risks back then. The photographs in this book are amazing and I devoured this book in one day!
What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion is a gorgeous and informative read about Coco Chsnel and her passion for fashion. This book covers everything from how Coco learned to sew from being taught by Nuns at an orphanage, to how and where she got inspiration for her fashion styles and designs. Coco created such amazing fashion designs that are timeless and chic. She made such an impact on shaping women's fashion which wasn't without risks back then. The photographs in this book are amazing and I devoured this book in one day!
October 3, 2021
I received a digital advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
An absolutely beautiful book! where is gave me a gorgeous insight into the person behind the name, the legacy. The book very much focused on Chanel the designer and her fashion influences rather than a biography. Still though, a gorgeous informative book. I imagine this, in a hardcover, on a coffee table. Such an inspiring, role model.
I especially enjoyed about reading how Chanel was inspired by the convent and the Nuns. How she was taught impeccable stitches by Cistercian Nuns, and how as a little orphan, little Gabrielle Chanel in the late 1890s, surrounded by mystical symbols in France's medievil Aubazine Abbey, embraced her talented sewing and esoteric beliefs and turned them into a fashion revolution of the new century. Where we still adore and cherish today. I would have liked to have seen photographs of all the things that inspired Chanel, including Aubazine Abbey including The windows, the tone walls, the stars and corridors etc. I had to google these so I could get the complete picture of her inspiration.
Coco's fashion empire evolution included the LBDs ( Little black dresses), Highlands' inspired tailored Tweed Suits, layers of pearls and Byzantine - inspired jewelry,as well as her renowned scents - especially her classics, Chanel No.5 and Mademoiselle Chanel (my all time favorite perfume and one I wore on my Wedding Day). Reading this book I learnt why the hooked backward CCs; the colors black, white, grey and beige, the number five had played such a pivotal role in the life and designs of Coco Chanel. Coco truly is one who changed how women dress - where she created pieces that were timeless, luxurious, affordable, and stylish, Where simple lines, soft tailoring and embellishments were used to complete the stunning outfits. Coco wasn't afraid to take risks, and I am sure, with all the women in the world today, we are grateful for that.
Highly Recommend
An absolutely beautiful book! where is gave me a gorgeous insight into the person behind the name, the legacy. The book very much focused on Chanel the designer and her fashion influences rather than a biography. Still though, a gorgeous informative book. I imagine this, in a hardcover, on a coffee table. Such an inspiring, role model.
I especially enjoyed about reading how Chanel was inspired by the convent and the Nuns. How she was taught impeccable stitches by Cistercian Nuns, and how as a little orphan, little Gabrielle Chanel in the late 1890s, surrounded by mystical symbols in France's medievil Aubazine Abbey, embraced her talented sewing and esoteric beliefs and turned them into a fashion revolution of the new century. Where we still adore and cherish today. I would have liked to have seen photographs of all the things that inspired Chanel, including Aubazine Abbey including The windows, the tone walls, the stars and corridors etc. I had to google these so I could get the complete picture of her inspiration.
Coco's fashion empire evolution included the LBDs ( Little black dresses), Highlands' inspired tailored Tweed Suits, layers of pearls and Byzantine - inspired jewelry,as well as her renowned scents - especially her classics, Chanel No.5 and Mademoiselle Chanel (my all time favorite perfume and one I wore on my Wedding Day). Reading this book I learnt why the hooked backward CCs; the colors black, white, grey and beige, the number five had played such a pivotal role in the life and designs of Coco Chanel. Coco truly is one who changed how women dress - where she created pieces that were timeless, luxurious, affordable, and stylish, Where simple lines, soft tailoring and embellishments were used to complete the stunning outfits. Coco wasn't afraid to take risks, and I am sure, with all the women in the world today, we are grateful for that.
Highly Recommend
August 10, 2021
Absolutely beautiful book! It gives you a behind the scenes look at the person behind the name. This book provides an understanding of why her designs appeal to almost everyone. She designed clothes that were elegant and comfortable and oftentimes was totally unexpected. The designs have stood the test of time and are still much sought after. This book does a wonderful job of helping you get to know Gabrielle Chanel and her beautiful designs.
August 11, 2021
My Recommendation ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion”
by Caroline Young
Gabrielle Chanel—Gamine Orphan to Fashion Icon—Coco
Taught impeccable stitches by Cistercian nuns in black and gray habits, little orphan Gabrielle Chanel in the late 1890s, surrounded by mystical symbols in France’s medieval Aubazine Abbey, embraced her sewing talent and esoteric beliefs and turned them into a fashion revolution of the new century.
Daring and dangerous in her exotic fashion tastes, the adult Gabrielle, nicknamed Coco, from a favorite song that she enjoyed singing, blazed into the Belle Epoch not in tight corsets, but in loose culotte pajama pants and striped jersey sailor shirts that she designed for women.
The Normandy beaches were in shock; then the Rivera. Chanel made the scene exciting and glamorous! Fashionable ladies were adopting this chic, stylish and gorgeous couture with Chanel flare.
Coco’s fashion empire evolution included little black dresses, Highlands’ inspired tailored tweed suits, layers of pearls and Byzantine-inspired jewelry, as well as her renowned scents—especially the perfume classic, Chanel No. 5.
Author Caroline Young details in text and photo history, Coco Chanel’s journey of self represented through her loves, losses and ultimate creation of a unique fashion-forward revolution in women's wear that was influenced by her life, by numerology and by her beliefs in magical mysticism.
Learn why the hooked backward CCs; the colors black, white, gray and beige; and number five play such important roles in the designs and life of the iconic Coco Chanel. These, and more mysteries and facts, are revealed in this lovely historical and pictorial anthology to Gabriel “Coco” Chanel by Caroline Young—one of my favorite guilty pleasures this year!
========
The Book Maven’s Journal—Reviews for Word Connoisseurs
REVIEWER: J. Hunt
STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion”
by Caroline Young
Genre: Non-Fiction | Arts & Photography | Biographies & Memoirs
Publication Date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Frances Lincoln
My Sincere Appreciation to NetGalley, Author Caroline Young and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Frances Lincoln for Providing this Advance Reader's Copy for Review.
“What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion”
by Caroline Young
Gabrielle Chanel—Gamine Orphan to Fashion Icon—Coco
Taught impeccable stitches by Cistercian nuns in black and gray habits, little orphan Gabrielle Chanel in the late 1890s, surrounded by mystical symbols in France’s medieval Aubazine Abbey, embraced her sewing talent and esoteric beliefs and turned them into a fashion revolution of the new century.
Daring and dangerous in her exotic fashion tastes, the adult Gabrielle, nicknamed Coco, from a favorite song that she enjoyed singing, blazed into the Belle Epoch not in tight corsets, but in loose culotte pajama pants and striped jersey sailor shirts that she designed for women.
The Normandy beaches were in shock; then the Rivera. Chanel made the scene exciting and glamorous! Fashionable ladies were adopting this chic, stylish and gorgeous couture with Chanel flare.
Coco’s fashion empire evolution included little black dresses, Highlands’ inspired tailored tweed suits, layers of pearls and Byzantine-inspired jewelry, as well as her renowned scents—especially the perfume classic, Chanel No. 5.
Author Caroline Young details in text and photo history, Coco Chanel’s journey of self represented through her loves, losses and ultimate creation of a unique fashion-forward revolution in women's wear that was influenced by her life, by numerology and by her beliefs in magical mysticism.
Learn why the hooked backward CCs; the colors black, white, gray and beige; and number five play such important roles in the designs and life of the iconic Coco Chanel. These, and more mysteries and facts, are revealed in this lovely historical and pictorial anthology to Gabriel “Coco” Chanel by Caroline Young—one of my favorite guilty pleasures this year!
========
The Book Maven’s Journal—Reviews for Word Connoisseurs
REVIEWER: J. Hunt
STAR RATING ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion”
by Caroline Young
Genre: Non-Fiction | Arts & Photography | Biographies & Memoirs
Publication Date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Frances Lincoln
My Sincere Appreciation to NetGalley, Author Caroline Young and Quarto Publishing Group – White Lion, Frances Lincoln for Providing this Advance Reader's Copy for Review.
July 19, 2023
Chanel’s life was fascinating. She experienced many hardships, many successes and left an amazing legacy. Her fashion pieces reveal/revealed secrets about her life and loves. How? This book will show you how different elements of her life, especially her childhood, inspired her designs.
Chanel favoured simplicity in her designs. Her signature styles include the use of black, white and beige. She created pieces that were timeless, luxurious, comfortable, stylish and used simple lines, soft tailoring and embellishments. An eternal style. She was not afraid to be different and loved wearing mens clothing, rather than the uncomfortable and restrictive corsets expected to be worn by ladies of that era. Chanel adapted many of her designs [from mens wardrobes] to a woman’s silhouette. Her work was groundbreaking and never-seen-before. She was an amazing lady. Unafraid to take risks.
I would have liked to have seen photographs in the book of Aubazine Abbey and the things that inspired Chanel. The windows, the stone walls, the stars and corridors etc. Also, more of her fashion pieces and jewellery, especially her diamond collection ‘Bijoux de Diamants’. I looked online.
I found the book a little repetitive in places and read the same thing a few times over, in different chapters, about the number 5, the lion symbolism, and the camellia flower. I’m uncomfortable with occult content and deliberately avoided the chapter on numerology. I didn’t expect it. I appreciate that it was, clearly, a big part of Chanel’s life, and her designs, and I can see that it’s relevant. I didn’t relate to, or enjoy, that part of the book.
I did enjoy reading about how Chanel was inspired by the convent and the nuns. This is easy to see in a photograph of one of her simple austere, monochrome dresses that looks like a nuns habit; a long black dress with a large white collar and cuffs. Again, I’d like to have seen photographs of one of Chanel’s dresses juxtaposed with a nuns habit, for contrast. Also, the stone walls of the abbey juxtaposed with one of her beige creations, inspired by the colour of the walls. I was a little bit disappointed that there weren’t more photographs.
You might like this book if you’re really into fashion and want to know more about Mademoiselle Chanel. It is a lovely looking book and I imagine the hardback version is stunning and would make a lovely coffee table book. Like a statement piece of art. I feel that little bit richer for having read it.
Chanel favoured simplicity in her designs. Her signature styles include the use of black, white and beige. She created pieces that were timeless, luxurious, comfortable, stylish and used simple lines, soft tailoring and embellishments. An eternal style. She was not afraid to be different and loved wearing mens clothing, rather than the uncomfortable and restrictive corsets expected to be worn by ladies of that era. Chanel adapted many of her designs [from mens wardrobes] to a woman’s silhouette. Her work was groundbreaking and never-seen-before. She was an amazing lady. Unafraid to take risks.
I would have liked to have seen photographs in the book of Aubazine Abbey and the things that inspired Chanel. The windows, the stone walls, the stars and corridors etc. Also, more of her fashion pieces and jewellery, especially her diamond collection ‘Bijoux de Diamants’. I looked online.
I found the book a little repetitive in places and read the same thing a few times over, in different chapters, about the number 5, the lion symbolism, and the camellia flower. I’m uncomfortable with occult content and deliberately avoided the chapter on numerology. I didn’t expect it. I appreciate that it was, clearly, a big part of Chanel’s life, and her designs, and I can see that it’s relevant. I didn’t relate to, or enjoy, that part of the book.
I did enjoy reading about how Chanel was inspired by the convent and the nuns. This is easy to see in a photograph of one of her simple austere, monochrome dresses that looks like a nuns habit; a long black dress with a large white collar and cuffs. Again, I’d like to have seen photographs of one of Chanel’s dresses juxtaposed with a nuns habit, for contrast. Also, the stone walls of the abbey juxtaposed with one of her beige creations, inspired by the colour of the walls. I was a little bit disappointed that there weren’t more photographs.
You might like this book if you’re really into fashion and want to know more about Mademoiselle Chanel. It is a lovely looking book and I imagine the hardback version is stunning and would make a lovely coffee table book. Like a statement piece of art. I feel that little bit richer for having read it.
September 24, 2021
Really enjoyable read about the influence of Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel on the fashion industry. This book explored some of the circumstances around her life that influenced her designs, motifs and inspiration for some of collections. It was fascinating how her influences helped to transition from the Belle Epoque era to a new freedom of movement for women, essentially freeing them from the confines of the corset.
It explored her use of traditional 'workers' clothing such as maids and fishermen and how she reinterpreted that for a new lux market, how Chanel time and again took inspiration from her time spent in an Abby after the death of her mother with reoccurring motifs throughout her career.
This is very much focused on Chanel the designer and her fashion influence rather then a biography and I found it very informative. I would have loved to seen even more pictures of her earlier work, although the more recent photos of her collections that continued her vision were still interesting. This would really suit someone who has an interest in fashion and historical fashion, particularly the basis of a couture house. 4.5 Stars
Many thanks to Netgally and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review
It explored her use of traditional 'workers' clothing such as maids and fishermen and how she reinterpreted that for a new lux market, how Chanel time and again took inspiration from her time spent in an Abby after the death of her mother with reoccurring motifs throughout her career.
This is very much focused on Chanel the designer and her fashion influence rather then a biography and I found it very informative. I would have loved to seen even more pictures of her earlier work, although the more recent photos of her collections that continued her vision were still interesting. This would really suit someone who has an interest in fashion and historical fashion, particularly the basis of a couture house. 4.5 Stars
Many thanks to Netgally and the publishers for an ARC in return for an honest review
September 20, 2021
I personally found this little book unremarkable. It includes photos of Chanel garments, quotes, anecdotes, and some biographical information. The fashion advice is actually cliche, in my opinion. It is more a commentary on basic Chanel style. In my opinion, there is nothing new here. If you want a book with photos of Chanel designs, I have seen more beautiful photos elsewhere. If you want a biography; there are better, more thorough biographies available. If you want to thumb through a book and learn some basics about Chanel and her designs, this one is fine.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.
November 3, 2024
"What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion" by Caroline Young is a beautifully crafted and informative exploration of one of fashion's most iconic figures. This book offers a fresh perspective on Chanel's life, work, and enduring legacy, focusing on the principles and inspirations that drove her innovative designs.
This book is not just for Chanel enthusiasts but for anyone interested in fashion history and the evolution of women's wear. It provides practical fashion advice and showcases how Chanel's unique vision continues to influence modern style.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
This book is not just for Chanel enthusiasts but for anyone interested in fashion history and the evolution of women's wear. It provides practical fashion advice and showcases how Chanel's unique vision continues to influence modern style.
Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.
August 2, 2021
A stunning homage to the woman behind one of the world’s most recognizable luxury brands, ‘What Coco Chanel Can Teach You About Fashion’ delves unto the inspirations and history behind the near-century long success of CHANEL.
Beginning with humble origins in a convent, and culminating in fearless, functional clothes for the modern woman, this journey is one that is nothing short of inspiring.
With beautiful pictures and advice from the designer herself, this book is a staple for any fashion follower’s bookshelf.
Beginning with humble origins in a convent, and culminating in fearless, functional clothes for the modern woman, this journey is one that is nothing short of inspiring.
With beautiful pictures and advice from the designer herself, this book is a staple for any fashion follower’s bookshelf.
April 26, 2025
This is a great collection of Chanel's inspiration and how it translated in her work. However I think the author should be more careful in her research as there are errors. For example she talks about the 2.55 bag and shows a picture of a Boy Chanel. It would have been nice to showcase more pictures of her work rather than Karl Lagerfeld's work.
August 3, 2021
Coco Chanel is the one who changed how woman dress and she was a revolutionary in the fashion field.
This books is a good summary of her ideas and is richly illustrated.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
This books is a good summary of her ideas and is richly illustrated.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine
April 27, 2023
Very interesting insight into the life and creativity of Coco Chanel. It was a really enjoyable and inspiring to see her work her collections from the ground up. The pictures of some of her designs makes this all the more special.
May 22, 2023
I finally resumed reading this book after all my exams. This book was very lighthearted, and a great introduction to my first book about fashion although at times, it may have sugarcoated Coco Chanel. This book really opened my eyes and further widened it to the broad fashion world.
September 4, 2021
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Okay, I think that more than a book, this is like a fashion magazine.
I would´ve love to read more about Chanel's history than her designs.
Nevertheless, I really liked to know more about her inspirations and the road she had to go through to become who she was.
I think that Coco Chanel is a REALLY good role model, passionate about her job and her life.
For me, the only thing missing from this book is the end of her story.
I want to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for gifting me with this book <3
Okay, I think that more than a book, this is like a fashion magazine.
I would´ve love to read more about Chanel's history than her designs.
Nevertheless, I really liked to know more about her inspirations and the road she had to go through to become who she was.
I think that Coco Chanel is a REALLY good role model, passionate about her job and her life.
For me, the only thing missing from this book is the end of her story.
I want to thank the publisher, the author and NetGalley for gifting me with this book <3
January 9, 2023
Perfect for fashion lovers, help to understand fashion, fabrics and the impact of Coco Chanel.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews