CoCo Chanel: The Legend and the Life

CoCo Chanel: The Legend and the Life cover
Good Books rating 4.03
Technical
  • ID: 151
  • Added: 2025-09-03
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780007317615
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2010-01-01
  • Formats: 74
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Goodreads · 2025-09-03
critical 3.20

The book provides comprehensive coverage of Chanel’s life but is critiqued for focusing too much on her personal affairs rather than her fashion contributions.

While the biography offers a detailed look at Coco Chanel’s entire life and includes many quotes and insights, some readers feel it leans heavily on her romantic relationships at the expense of exploring her significant impact on fashion in depth. The reviewer appreciated the historical content and research but desired more emphasis on Chanel's creative legacy and personality beyond the personal controversies, suggesting the narrative sometimes lacks substantive focus on her true contributions.


Quick quotes

    Justine Picardie peels away the layers of romance and myth surrounding the legend of Coco Chanel.

    There was so much focus on all of her affairs, and barely any on her actual contributions to the fashion world.

    Lack of real meat/substance.

Danielle Raine · 2024-05-03
reverent 4.50

The biography offers a thorough and realistic portrait of Coco Chanel, revealing both her glamorous world and darker side, while separating fact from myth.

This biography brings Coco Chanel's life vividly to life, tracing her journey from a difficult childhood to becoming a fashion icon. The author, Justine Picardie, skillfully untangles myths and embellishments surrounding Chanel, providing a balanced view that includes her business acumen, personal trials, and complex personality, making the reader feel closely acquainted with the woman behind the legend. The inclusion of archival photos complements the narrative, enhancing the reader's connection to Chanel's world and creative influences.


Quick quotes

    Chanel’s life, loves, work and adventures really come alive in this spellbinding biography.

    Justine Picardie has done a thorough and successful job in documenting the life of Coco Chanel.

    Legend is the consecration of fame.

Shakespeare & Company · 2023-08-31
intriguing 4.40

The biography uncovers the hidden complexities and tragedies of Coco Chanel’s life, portraying her transformation into a powerful and enduring fashion icon.

Justine Picardie’s in-depth biography explores the darker, lesser-known aspects of Coco Chanel’s life, including her traumatic childhood and her rise through unconventional means. The book is praised for its authoritative and beautifully constructed narrative that goes beyond fashion to reveal Chanel’s emotional struggles, passionate relationships, and relentless pursuit of fame, ultimately presenting a nuanced portrait of a woman who shaped modern style while confronting personal demons.


Quick quotes

    Sleek. Chic. Notoriously guarded. Welcome to the secret world of Coco Chanel.

    Justine Picardie brings Chanel out of hiding, unpicking the seams between reality and myth.

    This special new edition offers a uniquely authoritative account of the greatest designer in the world.

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