Last Collection, The: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel - Hardcover

Mackin, Jeanne

3.98

2,500 ratings by Goodreads

9781101990544: Last Collection, The: A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1101990546 ISBN 13: 9781101990544

Publisher: Berkley - Us, 2019

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Paris, 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli ('Schiap') are fighting for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their politics and their designs: Chanel's are classic, elegant, and practical; Schiaparelli's bold, experimental, and surreal. When Lily Sutter, a recently widowed American teacher, travels to Paris to visit her brother, Charlie, he insists on buying her a couture dress for her birthday - a Chanel. Lily reluctantly agrees but wants a Schiaparelli, not a Chanel. Charlie's girlfriend, Ania, one of the most beautiful and prominent women in Paris, begins wearing Schiap's designs as well, and soon much of Paris is following in her footsteps. Schiap takes an interest in Lily and offers the budding artist a job at her shop. Suddenly, Lily finds herself increasingly involved with Schiap and her personal war with Chanel. And as their fierce competition reaches new and dangerous heights, another war is looming on their doorstep and getting closer every day...

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Review:

Praise for The Last Collection

"A fascinating insight into a war of passion and ambition set amid the looming threat of the Nazi invasion of Paris. With elegant, vibrant writing, Mackin cleverly captures the infamous rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in a novel that historical fiction fans will savor."--Hazel Gaynor, New York Times bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter
"Sophisticated couture wars and looming world wars take center stage in Mackin's latest, with a plot that buzzes with love triangles and political intrigue. A gorgeous meditation on art, fashion, and heartbreak. Stunning."--Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Masterpiece
"An in-depth tale of an enchanting, dangerous and fascinating time period in Paris. Mackin's attention to detail and lyrical prose bring Chanel and Schiaparelli to life in a gorgeous and riveting manner."--She Reads

"The designers' obsession with besting each other makes for fun, gossipy reading, while the tensions of prewar Paris and Lily's attempts to ease her grief through her art lend the narrative satisfying emotional depth."--Library Journal

"A smart, witty, heartfelt, and riveting look at the infamous rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli set against a gripping period in history. Mackin's powerful novel brings these characters to life and transports the reader, juxtaposing both the gaiety and tension of Paris on the brink of war. As elegant and captivating as the designs depicted in the novel, The Last Collection is the perfect read for both historical fiction lovers and fashion aficionados. Simply stunning."--Chanel Cleeton, USA Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana
"A skillful weave of compelling characters grappling for both fortune and affirmation, and set against a vivid backdrop--first the glittering cosmos of Paris fashion, then the hardships of World War 2, and then the remains of beauty after war. Beautiful prose and imagery enrich every page. Mackin is an insightful, engaging storyteller."--Susan Meissner, author of As Bright As Heaven

"A wonderful story of two intensely creative women, their vibrant joie de vivre, and backbiting competition played out against the increasingly ominous threat of the Nazi invasion of Paris."--Shelley Noble, New York Times bestselling author of Lighthouse Beach

"A vibrant portrait of two designers cut from very different cloth, The Last Collection pits bold Coco Chanel and colorful Elsa Schiaparelli against each other in a fiery feud even as the ominous clouds of World War II darken the horizon. A captivating read!"--Stephanie Marie Thornton, author of American Princess

"As Hitler and the Nazis gather strength and the world braces for war, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel, whose politics differ as much as their couture, wage a war of their own....Jeanne Mackin takes the reader on an enthralling journey, complete with such vivid descriptions of the clothing, you can practically see them on the page. Beautifully rendered and meticulously researched, The Last Collection is a must read."--Renee Rosen, author of Park Avenue Summer
"The Last Collection brings to center stage the fascinating life of Elsa Schiaparelli in a story that is as elegantly constructed as the clothes she designed. The combination of Schiap's fierce rivalry with Coco Chanel and the inevitable war makes for a palpable tension, and Jeanne Mackin ultimately delivers an ending that is beautiful, heartbreaking, and perfect in every way."--Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris Apartment

About the Author:

Jeanne Mackin is the author of several historical novels, including The Beautiful American. She taught creative writing at Goddard College and has given numerous workshops. She lives with her husband in upstate New York.

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