Chanel: A Fashionable History

by Jean Leymarie

Art historian Jean Leymarie’s revised and updated edition of Chanel examines the entire history of the esteemed fashion couturier and the brand that lives on in her name.

When Jean Leymarie’s monograph on Coco Chanel was originally published in 1989, he was known primarily as a curator and modern art historian, both in his native France and abroad. Bringing his expertise to bear on one of the most famous (and often controversial) couturiers of all time, Leymarie legitimized fashion as fine art.

Completely redesigned by Philippe Apeloig, Leymarie’s classic volume is back in print once more. Beginning with a brief history of fashion, Leymarie takes the reader through Chanel’s early days, when she mingled with Jean Cocteau, Igor Stravinsky, and Luchino Visconti, through the development of her brand after her death by Karl Lagerfeld. A special essay on Lagerfeld’s contribution to the Chanel legacy, written by journalist Marc Lembron, brings this new edition up to date.

Includes Color Photographs

Genres: Fashion

260 pages, Hardcover

First published May 15, 1989

About the author

Jean Leymarie (17 July 1919, Gagnac-sur-Cère, Lot – 9 March 2006) was a French art historian.

Reviews

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a coffee table book. I bought this as a gift for a fashion fan. While I think the book will be appreciated, I wish it had been more about Chanel. The first part of the book is a history of fashion from almost prehistory. Interesting but not Chanel.

The author couples famous art pieces with Chanel's works and I appreciated that. As Chanel made her way, she also befriended and was influenced by many contemporary artists, poets, playwrights, and intelligentsia.

I guess I wanted more design.