The Last Collection

A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel

By: Jeanne Mackin

Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen

An American woman becomes entangled in the intense rivalry between iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in this captivating novel from the acclaimed author of The Beautiful American.

Paris, 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli are fighting for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their politics and their designs: Chanel’s are classic, elegant, and practical; Schiaparelli’s bold, experimental, and surreal.

When Lily Sutter, a recently widowed young American teacher, visits her brother, Charlie, in Paris, he insists on buying her a couture dress—a Chanel. Lily, however, prefers a Schiaparelli. Charlie’s beautiful and socially prominent girlfriend soon begins wearing Schiaparelli’s designs as well, and much of Paris follows in her footsteps.

Schiaparelli offers budding artist Lily a job at her store, and Lily finds herself increasingly involved with Schiaparelli and Chanel’s personal war. Their fierce competition reaches new and dangerous heights as the Nazis and the looming threat of World War II bear down on Paris.

Amazing

Author makes you feel like you are at the elegant Paris parties. You can see the dresses. Great story!!!

Insight into the World of Fashion and Friendships

Having read about Coco Chanel I wanted insight into her great rival, Elsa Schiaparelli. It is told through the eyes of Lily Sutter, a young widow who visits her brother in Paris where he is in love with a wealthy woman. Anya introduces Lily to Schiaparelli and to Coco.

In the run up to WWII these three women try to maintain a normal life, to not let down their standards of fashion. The parties continue, the wealthy women compete for position and prestige.

There are so many layers to this story, love, friendship, fashion and how an artist sees the world. Lily’s words about art and color provide great insight and a way to look at the world.

One of the best WWII themed books I have read.

Interesting story

I enjoyed the story and storyteller. Great character voices. The story content was an interesting way to tell history, a love story, and give a new perspective on fashion.

Well done

I enjoyed following Lilly’s life intertwined with iconic designers Chanel and Schiaparelli. It was a very good read.

Fashionably wonderful

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well-drawn and the narration flawless. Ah, to have known Schiaperelli AND Chanel. One could only wish. Highly recommend.