Coco Chanel

4 French Trailblazers Who Changed the World

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In late 2021 and early 2022 a fabulous exhibition came to Australia – ‘Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto’. It examined the legacy of this remarkable woman, who introduced the Little Black Dress, made women not only elegant but also comfortable, and whose perfume is the biggest selling perfume of all time. Chanel is considered one of the 100 most important people of the 20th century.

In this talk, you will get to know the woman behind the clothes, discover how her convent background influenced her designs, find out how she came to be ‘Coco’, admire her creations, learn about her lovers and her Nazi connections, and experience the beauty of her creations.


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Recommended reading

A brilliant conspiracy story

In late 2021 a fabulous exhibition was shown in Australia – ‘Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto’. Held at the National Gallery in Melbourne, this exhibition displayed items not seen by the public before, and examined the legacy of this remarkable woman. Chanel introduced the Little Black Dress, she made women feel not only elegant but also comfortable in their clothes, and one of the perfumes she created is the biggest selling perfume of all time. She dressed the rich and famous, simplified feminine style, designed handbags and hats, and changed the way that women dressed. Chanel is, quite rightly, considered one of the 100 most important people of the 20th century.

Chanel was famously secretive, presenting many versions of her own life story to the public. Her father abandoned his family and her mother died when Gabrielle was still young, so she was sent to a convent.

I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your Trailblazers series.

As a lifelong Francophone and Francophile, it was so interesting to get the whole story as it were, about your subjects. In each of your presentations, I learned a great deal that I didn’t know, and your information was spot on. 

So I thank you so much for the opportunity to listen and learn.

Evelyn
I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed watching your four French Trailblazers lectures. It was a wonderful treat for me to sit back on a Monday early evening, to listen, watch and learn from you.
Susan
Thank you so much for the marvellous French Series. I have savoured every word. You really kept our minds in high spirits just when needed. 
Looking forward to your future events. Your range of interests and enthusiasm is inspiring. 
Stay safe, well and curious!
Evelyne

Thank you for your most interesting and informative talk about Victor Hugo. It has stimulated me to get to the library and borrow one of his novels when I can of course. 

Christine

I loved the lecture, it was so wonderful to be back. I have resisted zoom as I felt I spent too much time on screens. However, being back listening to Susannah’s fantastic lectures was marvellous. I can’t wait until next Monday. 

Fleur

We simply loved last night’s talk, we were listening intently and making notes of new places to visit once “it’s all over.” 

Geraldine and Richard

Your talk on Victor Hugo was – as expected – brilliant. Yes, his house on Guernsey is extraordinary (I was there in 2015).

Jennifer

I enjoyed your talk on Victor Hugo very much, especially as I have been to his house in Place des Vosges, which I found remarkable. I had booked a trip to visit the house in the Channel Islands but Covid intervened.

Isabel

Thank you very much for your Zoom meeting on Victor Hugo yesterday. As is always the case, your presentation was excellent and I much enjoyed being enlightened further on his works and his life.

I look forward to next week’s lecture on Paul Cezanne.

Doreen

You make your authors and their story come to life for me. I am so appreciative! I’ve watched your videos from RACV, Tea with a Book Addict and now your new series. As I live in Melbourne with so many restrictions, you have been the face I have seen most frequently, I count myself very lucky!

Marie

Thank you so much for the delightful talk on Victor Hugo yesterday. It was packed with so many interesting facts and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. 

Helen

Thank you for your wonderful talk yesterday. My friend Jan who watched with me said “now I know why you go on those trips”.

Helen
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Discuss it with me

Have you ever owned a piece of Chanel fashion? Tell me what you think here.

Get the book, watch the movie and more

Links for where to buy the books in print, ebook or audio will be listed here before the talk. Find the books on my recommended reading list, watch a movie version, enjoy related videos, websites and much more. Have anything to add here? Let me know.

PURCHASE
Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life by Justine Picardie
Coco Chanel: An Intimate Life by Lisa Chaney
Coco Chanel: A Biography by Axel Madsen
Sleeping with the Enemy: Coco Chanel, Nazi Agent by Hal Vaughan<
Chanel’s Riviera: Life, Love and the Struggle for Survival on the Cote d’Azur, 1930–1944 by Anne de Courcy

I only recommend books I have read or know. Some of these links are my affiliate links. If you buy a book by clicking on one of these links I receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but does help cover the cost of producing my free newsletter.

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I only recommend books I have read or know. Some of these links are my affiliate links. If you buy a book by clicking on one of these links I receive a small commission. It doesn’t cost you anything extra, but does help cover the cost of producing my free newsletter.
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Comments (4)

  1. Jennie Keller

    “Absolutely fabulous” come to mind listening to this talk about Coco Chanel. This series has been so interesting.
    Again Susannah you keep giving us such treasures.
    Heaps of thanks,

    • Susannah Fullerton

      Thanks so much for your kind words, Jennie. I hope the series brought back lovely memories of our travels together in France.
      I do hope you will consider joining the fun for the Scandinaivan series. I’m loving the preparation and look forward to seeing so many good friends attend the talks.

  2. John Power

    I thoroughly recommend the film “Coco before Chanel”, an arthouse film from about 10 years ago.

    • Susannah Fullerton

      Thanks John, I’ll seek it out and add it to my recommended reading list.

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