Mademoiselle

Coco Chanel and the Pulse of History

By: Rhonda Garelick

Narrated by: Tavia Gilbert

Little black dresses. Fake pearls. Jersey knit. Blazers. Ballet flats. Today - and for nearly the last hundred years - we all see some version of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel every time we pass a woman on the street. But few among us realize that Chanel’s role in the events of the 20th century was as pervasive as her influence on fashion, or how deeply she absorbed and then brilliantly reimagined the historical currents around her. Here, with unprecedented detail and ambition - and through fascinating, thoroughly researched portraits of Chanel’s lovers and friends - Rhonda Garelick shows us the Chanel who conquered the world: a woman who thirsted to create others in her image, who ruthlessly and innovatively borrowed from her famous (and infamous) intimates, who understood the idea of branding and image well ahead of her time, who created "wearable personality". This is Chanel at the nexus of history: a woman of daring, passion, and legendary vision, in a wonderful biography that gives her long-awaited due.

©2014 Original material by Rhonda Garelick (P)2014 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Great Read.

The book is very engaging. It is written in a way that allows you to envision the feel of fabric. It is not a sugar coated biography but a panoramic view of a real woman responding to epic changes in her society, country and the world stage.

A historic view of Mademoiselle the Icon

Brilliant way to intertwine history, references, the person and the Icon.
I must say Brilliant

Sumptuous!

Extremely fascinating, sumptuously written. Coco Chanel made a tremendous impact on the world. Garelick ha produced a great historical work.

good open minded exploration

would recommend.
She's a little too fixed on calling Chanel a courtesan, especially the last Wertheimer chapter. I think which artist wouldn't appreciate in their old age to have all expenses carte blanche and then the knowledge that the business will live on with your name afterwards.

Wonderful

A great listen- very through, thought provoking, and amusing. A must listen for all Coco Chanel fans.