HELLO and welcome to The Lipstick Papers Weekend Review! This week we have Paul Morand's The Allure of Chanel, Chanel's autobiographical account to French author Paul Morand. I didn't love this book too much, but it also has strong points, so I will try to give you a fair overview.
I read this book in excellent Greek translation (by Βάνα Χαρζάκη, from Agra Publishing House), but you can also find it in English.
This book is incredibly honest and unadulterated Chanel: we learn about Coco Chanel in her own no-nonsense and idiosyncratic voice.
Based on conversations with the author, the book is quite complete as an autobiography, following Chanel from a troubled childhood to young adulthood and finally to fame through hard work and determination.
One of the best features in the book are original illustrations by none other than Karl Lagerfeld! I am sure you will love the illustrations as much as I did.
A bad thing about the book is that sometimes Chanel comes out as too weird, too idiosyncratic. Her tone is very pessimistic and has things to say about women (and even about Chanel's own life) which sound too repressed.
I am not sure if I would recommend the book. It is not pleasant to read, and can be annoying. However, it is very useful for anyone interested/ being involved in fashion and fashion studies.
Have a great Sunday evening, always with beauty and a book! xxx
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