8 June 2025
Gabrielle Chanel once confided to writer Paul Morand, “Books are my best friends.” From her early days at the Aubazine orphanage, reading books offered her comfort and escapism. Throughout her life literature would continue to play a crucial role, as evidenced by the book lined walls of her apartment at 31 Rue Cambon. Poetry, in particular, held a special place in her heart, a passion she shared with her great love Boy Capel as well as Jean Cocteau and Pierre Reverdy – influential poets who would become her close friends.
CHANEL
Douglas Kirkland
Following in his predecessor’s likeness, Karl Lagerfeld also shared a profound love for books. His personal library of over 300,000 volumes reflected his neverending curiosity and continued pursuit of knowledge. It is said that his desk cracked under the pressure of the many books piled upon it. In 1999, Lagerfeld established the 7L Bookshop in Paris, dedicated to housing works on photography, architecture, design, fashion and more.
The House of CHANEL acknowledges and celebrates the bridge between its Creative Directors and the literary world, as shown through its efforts to maintain this connection. In 2021, CHANEL acquired the 7L Bookshop and introduced the “Literary Rendezvous at Rue Cambon” programme. With Charlotte Casiraghi, ambassador for the House, CHANEL brings conversations, questionnaires, podcasts and reading suggestions together.
Over the years, my own passion for books has led to the exploration of many volumes dedicated to Gabrielle Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld. For those looking to delve deeper into the literary world of CHANEL, here are some notable reads:
CHANEL: The Complete Karl Lagerfeld Collections (Catwalk) is a comprehensive anthology that chronicles Karl Lagerfeld’s prolific tenure at CHANEL, presenting more than 150 collections spanning more than three decades. Accompanying carefully curated runway photographs, from luxurious haute couture to style-savvy ready-to-wear, is a concise review of each collection highlighting the inspiration, standout pieces and elaborate set designs. This meticulously crafted publication serves as an invaluable resource for admirers of CHANEL, offering a visual journey through Lagerfeld’s enduring legacy and his innovative reinvention of classic CHANEL codes.
CHANEL: The Vocabulary of Style by Jérôme Gautier is an exploration of the enduring elements that define the world of CHANEL. The book is organized into eleven chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of the CHANEL codes, such as the iconic camellia motif, the use of pearls and tweed fabrics. Gautier’s narrative is enriched with a collection of photographs from renowned fashion photographers, including Richard Avedon, Patrick Demarchelier, and Annie Leibovitz, to illustrate how these codes have been preserved and reimagined over time. By comparing original designs with their modern adaptations through classic images from Coco Chanel’s era to re-interpretations under Karl Lagerfeld, this book captures the essence of CHANEL’s iconic fashion journey.
Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life by Justine Picardie is an in-depth biography of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel’s complex life, tracing her journey from an orphaned child to a fashion icon. Picardie explores Chanel’s personal relationships, shedding light on her connections with influential figures such as Cocteau and Picasso. The book also provides insights into her passionate and, at times, tumultuous relationships, offering a fresh perspective and unveiling new details on the woman behind the brand. Overall, Coco Chanel: The Legend and the Life presents a nuanced portrait of a woman who not only transformed fashion with her professional achievements but also led a personal life filled with intrigue and complexity.
Absolutely Chanel by Catherine Örmen is a visually rich tribute to the House of CHANEL, celebrating its century-long influence in the fashion world. The book covers Chanel’s iconic creations, including CHANEL N°5 perfume, the 2.55 handbag, costume and high-jewelry, and innovative beauty and skincare products. It highlights the brand’s evolution under the guidance of Gabrielle Chanel, Karl Lagerfeld, and Virginie Viard, showcasing how each contributed to its enduring legacy. Enhanced with beautiful images and previously unpublished facsimile documents, Absolutely Chanel is a collector-worthy volume that invites readers into the timeless world of CHANEL.
Drawing from CHANEL’s archives, CHANEL: Collections and Creations by Danièle Bott reviews five central themes that define the iconic fashion house: the suit, the camellia, jewelry, fragrances and makeup, and the little black dress. The book traces the evolution of these elements from their origins to contemporary interpretations, showcasing how they’ve been reinvented over time. Featuring photographs by leading fashion photographers that provide an intimate look at the craftsmanship and artistry behind CHANEL’s visionary designs, this book is a testament to the lasting influence of CHANEL and their continued reinvention by successive designers.
