Maggie Hope

From a poorhouse in Saumur, to a Catholic orphanage in the Dordogne to a nightclub stage in Moulins, Coco Chanel’s life did not truly take off until she moved to the fashion capital of Paris. Here…

Coco Chanel, The Life and Times of an Icon - France Today

Coco Chanel and the Opportunities that Helped her Reach Success, by Francine Voth, Gladwellian Success Scholarly Magazine

Fashion Designer Battles: Chanel, YSL, Tom Ford

Mark Shaw - Coco Chanel Lunches with Jessica Daves at the Ritz offered by Liz O'Brien on InCollect. Chanel in her ever present hat, lunches in a corner of the garden restaurant of the Ritz, with Vogue editor in chief, Jessica Daves. Chanel says she loves Jessica Daves. "I put off my vacation to have lunch with her, because it was the only day she was free." Mark Shaw's informal, grainy, black and white images of Coco Chanel were created using an unobtrusive 35mm camera and film processing methods that enabled him to eliminate all other photographic equipment. Although Shaw's techniques increased the grain and contrast of the photographs, the lack of intimidating, distracting flash and lights allowed him to capture an unusually relaxed Chanel. Image size 22" x 22"/Paper size 24" x 36" All Mark Shaw prints are made to order in limited editions on Hahnemuhle photo rag paper. Each print is Estate stamped on the back and signed and numbered by David Shaw, and accompanied by a letter of authenticity. Lead time is four to six weeks. *Please note this image is available in several sizes. Prices increase as editions sell out.

Mark Shaw - Coco Chanel Lunches with Jessica Daves at the Ritz

A “Little” More on Chanel

Resilience, hope in 'Orphan Collector,' 'Vera' and 'Chanel Sisters

Helen Keller (Little People, BIG DREAMS) (Hardcover)

An enormous mythology has grown around Gabrielle Chanel. It has never been in dispute that she was a creative genius, highly skilled at her craft, and possessed a canny business sense. But as fame has turned into celebrity and, most recently, into “branding”, the emphases in her story have twisted: from discretion to a hunt for truth and then back to hagiography, this time for the purpose of marketing.

Beyond the little black dress: 'Gabrielle Chanel – Fashion Manifesto

An Interview With Alexander Fury, Creator of Chanel The Impossible Collection

The Last Collection: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel [Book]

We all have that one friend who can't stop talking about France—these are the best French gifts to get them.

26 French Gifts for the Francophile In Your Life