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Saturday, October 31, 2020

Gabrielle Chanel ‘Fashion Manifesto’


Another accordion Paris Letter for your mantelpiece. I knew I’d be drawing Chanel after seeing the Chanel exhibit at Palais Galliera.

I did a little doodle (in bed not on the bus).

Then Emily in Paris came along...then a re-think. 

Gabrielle Chanel’s life was much more intriguing. Many complain about their parents. But think about the alternative. 

Orphaned at 12, Gabrielle was abandoned forever by her father in a convent for 6 years. 

There she learned to sew and embroider. The rest is history. 

It’s said maybe her signature double C’s were inspired by l’Abbaye d’Aubazine’s stained glass windows. 

Watch the terrific new Netflix, The Queen’s Gambitanother orphan rags-to-riches story. 

Andre Malraux included Gabrielle Chanel in with De Gaulle and Picasso as the 3 geniuses of the 20th century. Of course she made some bad choices. Who hasn’t? 
But she had the guts and ingenuity to restart her business and her life at age 70. If you‘ve read a good Chanel biography let me know. I’m fascinated.
 I’m painting Chanel N.5 perfume again this week. They’re in my Etsy shop. Our 2nd Lockdown has begun in Paris. Its not so bad. Again I’m making chicken soup. You all stay safe & Vote svp dear PBers 😃🐻🙏❤️

21 comments:

  1. Love the preview & info. You always have great historical background info. Here’s my fav CC book.
    Chanel and Her World
    by Edmonde Charles-Roux

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  2. Your perfume bottles inspired me to try some;)Ad now I am more curious about Chanel.

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  3. Thank you for this...can never get enough of Chanel. She had a fascinating life...certainly not always easy...but it made her the legend that she is. We still wear marinières because of Coco. Her style is timeless. As is chicken soup...something we all need now. 🥣

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  4. Bonelle9:58 AM

    Okay, I have to ask...feeling woefully ignorant (per usual?)...what’s “LBT” on your letter?...is that the French version of LBD?? Wouldn’t it be petite robe noire...PRN?! Just doesn’t have the same ring to it!
    Loving all the Chanel! You have captured Coco so well.

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  5. It should be LBD
    Me being dyslexic again...when wrong things look right
    :(()

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  6. Beautiful post! Recognized EIP immediately; thanks for the heads up ... we really enjoy binge-watching it. Love Coco Chanel's story ... and, of course, the fashion. Stay safe.

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  7. Sally V10:41 AM

    Beautiful post. The Queen's Gambit...so satisfying and so beautifully constructed. Sally V.

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  8. Bill Ternay III11:17 AM

    Really like the gentle pace of this post, and the images, especially your
    Elegant drawings of the figures in the accordion folded piece.

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  9. "Of course she made some bad choices. Who hasn’t?" That's quite an understatement. It's been common knowledge since the end of WWII that Chanel was schtupping a German intelligence officer, and that connection allowed her to continue living at the Ritz for years while millions of French suffered, had everything taken from them, went hungry, fought and died in the Resistance, were deported and murdered in Nazi death camps. More recent information shows that she was a willing spy for the Abwehr on at least a few occasions during the war. See https://www.biography.com/news/coco-chanel-nazi-agent and the book "Sleeping With The Enemy."
    As with many artists, perhaps one can (even must) separate her artistry and genius from her immorality. Her clothes are stunning and her marketing sense remarkable. But I cannot find her a worthy role model as a woman or as a human being.

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  10. Jane S.Gabin12:33 PM

    I VOTED! I VOTED! I VOTED!

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  11. I looked at the last photo in your post this morning. Took and deep breath and counted all of my blessings.

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  12. I have read many books on Chanel and sell quite a few in my store. However, one we don't have and the one I consider to be her definitive biography is by Edmonde Charles-Roux. She was her official biographer.
    The artwork in this newsletter is the best yet. You are amazing. You just get better and better.

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  13. Carol, I enjoyed reading Mademoiselle Chanel, by C.W. Gortner.
    Love the last photo in today's post...le sigh. Would so love to be right there. Merci.

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  14. Love all of this post and the final photo is stunning - I can almost close my eyes and feel myself there. Read "The Last Collection" by Jeanne Mackin, it's fiction but well researched and based on fact - the story of Chanel & Schiaperelli before & during the war. Very interesting. Yes, I have voted!

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  15. Jacquelyn in Cal.3:53 PM

    Chanel: paul morand THE ALLURE OF CHANEL.
    His intro says a lot. Her input on herself(?) Her knlut on others(interesting)
    Chanel not always known for telling the truth. Take it for whatever you can. Knowing the backstory-helps- but we never know ALL. IMPOSSIBLE!
    She was a very angry, vengeful , & in deep heart pain.
    And a clothing genius - for her TIME!
    ps thanks for your input & art work!

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  16. Julie P4:08 PM

    J'adore vos commentaires, vos dessins!!! Un peu de l'histoire en plus!
    We're making chicken soup as well!! Olive oil, onions, poireaux, celery, carrots, 3 or 4 cans Swanson's chicken broth, 1/4 cup Marsala, 1/2 cup rice..chicken on bone,
    1 or 1.5 hours..... your recipe?

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  17. I just pucked up my copy of Chanel's Riviera by Anne de Courcey. Subtitled 'Glamour, decadence and survival in peace and war 1930-1944', it may shed some light on her choices as highlighted by previous commentators...I'll let you know! 🙂

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  18. Jennifer2:20 AM

    Carol your site is one for sore eyes
    and I am thrilled when it appears in my inbox!
    Going to purchase a few treasures from you !
    Xmas gifts

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  19. Thank you Jennifer and everyone else who is keeping Near in baguettes
    ❤️🐻🥐

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  20. Jane De Courcy book “Chanel’s Riviera” is excellent. Gives an account of her life from the early days and the horrors throughout the war to restarting her business.

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  21. Love the accordion! Such a pleasing layout!

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