   | Full Text Reviews: School Library Journal - 02/01/2018 Gr 5–8—This slim work on the life and legacy of Coco Chanel begins in 1883, the year of her birth. Coco, née Gabrielle, was born into poverty and deposited at age 11 in a Catholic orphanage. It was there that she learned a sense of austerity that she later translated to the simple, clean lines of the clothes she designed. Chanel was an industrious self-starter who worked her way from seamstress to hat maker. As she expanded her range, she was credited with originating the little black dress, trousers made for women, costume jewelry, and—perhaps most importantly—liberating women from their corsets and girdles. Rubin's simple, straightforward writing conveys not only the high styles of wealthy European women in the 1900s but also provides a glimpse into the limitations women faced during that time. Though Chanel was immersed in the world of women's fashion, it was an industry dominated by male designers. Furthermore, she had to rely on men to finance her at the start of her career and, later, for the production of her iconic Chanel No°5 perfume. Rubin's work also depicts the broader historical context of European life for the upper class during and between the two world wars, including information on Chanel's anti-Semitism and rumors that she was a Nazi sympathizer. Photos and illustrations throughout visually complement Rubin's detailed descriptions of Chanel's designs. VERDICT A well-researched primer packed with details on a significant trailblazer. Give to readers interested in fashion, business, and history.—Melissa Kazan, Horace Mann School, NY - Copyright 2018 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Booklist - 03/15/2018 Jaunty and elegant, Coco Chanel was a study in classic contrasts. A self-made woman worth millions at the height of her success, she grew up in poverty—a fact she often lied about to protect her image. A designer and advocate of clothes that freed women’s bodies from corsets and pain, she made her mark early with iconic designs and a signature perfume. Her questionable alliance with a Nazi spy during WWII cast her legacy into doubt until a 1950s comeback. Rubin’s biography is clear-sighted about Chanel’s faults while extolling her fashion genius. Her source notes and bibliography are meticulous, as is the book’s design, which is liberally illustrated with photographs and fashion drawings of Chanel’s simply tailored suits, little black dresses, flat chic hats, jersey sportswear, and, of course, pearls. Emphasizing Chanel’s clean design choices, the text is set off by quotes pulled from the narrative and framed in art-deco style, subtle chevron backgrounds, and chapter breaks of simple geometric design. This will attract young fashion mavens eager to learn about design history. - Copyright 2018 Booklist. Loading...
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