Gospel According to Coco Chanel: Life Lessons From The World's Most Elegant Woman
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At a glance
- Condition
- New
- Dimensions
- 5.5 x 0.85 x 7.5 in
- Weight
- 1.04 lb
- Publisher
- Skirt!
- Publication date
- September 1, 2009
- Edition
- First Edition
- Language
- English
Description
A modern look at the life of a legendary fashion icon—with practical life lessons for women of all ages Delving into the long, extraordinary life of renowned French fashion designer Coco Chanel, Karen Karbo has written a new kind of self-help book, exploring Chanel's philosophy on a range of universal themes—from style to passion, from money and success to femininity and living life on your own terms. Born in 1883 in a poorhouse in southern France, Chanel grew up to be the woman who not only gave us the little black dress and boxy jackets, but also bestowed upon women a chic freedom that helped usher them into the modern era. Elegant, opinionated, and passionate, she was the only fashion icon among TIME magazine's 100 Most Influential People of the 20th Century. The Gospel According to Coco Chanel is a captivating, offbeat look at style, celebrity, and self-invention—all held together with droll Chanel-style commentary and culled from an examination of Chanel's difficult childhood and triumphant adulthood, passionate love affairs, and eccentricities. Warner Brothers set to release a major motion picture on this subject, Coco Before Chanel, in Fall 2009. Read more
Specs 9
| Publisher | Skirt! |
|---|---|
| Publication date | September 1, 2009 |
| Edition | First Edition |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 240 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1599215233 |
| ISBN-13 | 35 |
| Item Weight | 1.04 pounds |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 0.85 x 7.5 inches |
No specs match.
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Top Amazon Reviews
Darling book...very stylish and funny.
Format: Paperback
I've owned this book for a good 6 months, as I LOVE books on style. The book jacket itself is so darling, I figured I had to have this little gem adorning my bookshelf. I've LOVED the art work of Chesley McLaren since I discovered her book for my children, Zat Cat! I finally got around to reading the book a few days ago, and I'm very impressed. I, too, have read several biographies and seen the movies about Chanel's life. There wasn't a lot I didn't already know about that crazy French chick. But I must say, I loved Karbo's writing style. This book reminds me of "How to Be Lovely" or "What Would Audrey Do?", two of my cute little books about Audrey Hepburn. Those books are not so much complete biographies of Audrey....God knows those abound. They are just sweet little interpretations of how Audrey would behave, react, etc. in different modern situations. Similarly, Karbo's book is an interpretation of Chanel's actions so to maybe explain to us Chanelophiles how such a poor little urchin with so much working against her made herself into THE name in fashion. I'm amazed at some of the reviews, and that such reviewers would actually pick up a book about Coco Chanel. This woman was a wacky little creature. Karbo dissects such wackiness with humor (very dry, some may not get it) and MUCH insight. She wasn't so much as saying that in this day and age you might as well shoot yourself if you're not married by 31..(according to one reviewer, New York is different), she was saying that with societal norms as they were (and are), it takes a certain personality to NOT choose the traditional route and forge ahead with your dreams. Chanel had many suitors and could have easily chosen one to marry, but we probably wouldn't be reading books about her now. Yes, she CHOSE to stay single. She was married to her dresses, as Karbo says. Would Oprah be Oprah if she had ever married Stedman? Who knows? Would Martha Stewart be who she is had she stayed married? Again, we don't know, but marriage may not be an option for some of our greatest and most creative women. Karbo doesn't so much write about her life, as some reviewers have stated. This book is ALL about Coco Chanel. However, Karbo adds her little side stories about her trying to acquire an actual Chanel jacket, which I think is cute. Her writing style makes her seem like she could be your funniest girlfriend. And I'm jealous she had a grandmother that designed Hollywood costumes!
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Reviewed in the United States on June 5, 2011 by Happyandhealthy
Excellent book!
Format: Hardcover
You will enjoy this one if you are a fan of Chanel and are interested to know more than just about fashion side of Chanel's life. I have purchased this book after watching the movie "Coco before Chanel" and found out many interesting facts about Chanel's biography. It was very enlightening to find out exactly how Chanel developed her style by simpy accomodating her needs. It was fascinating to find out that she came up with idea of belted cardigan simply by not wanting to put on a pullover lended to her by a boyfriend over her head. She had a hat on and she didn't want to go through the trouble of taking the hat off and messing up her hair, so she cut the pullover open, put it on and tied a belt around it. I found out a lot interesting facts not only about Chanel's style, but also her personality and her social life. I would highly recommend this book. P.S. This book somehow reminded me of "I love your style" by Amanda Brooks, which I absolutely LOVED. I prefer books on style that do not force things upon youor force you to choose a "category" for your personal style, but instead help you to discover your individual style by showing you how others have developed theirs
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Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2010 by Elena
Enjoyabile
While the title is slightly misleading (it is more of the author's interpretations of Miss Chanel than her, Chanel, actual gospel), it was a decent narrative. It had the feel of the 2009 movie starring Meryl Streep, Julie & Julia. It was more about the author's journey of self improvement based upon the subject life choices. As far as Coco Chanel herself, I find it a little hard to respect a woman that, at times, had questionable ethic and most of the time, came across as a crotchety self-absorbed old woman with a habitual lying problem. I personally prefer role models that exhibit high work ethic and a humble disposition. Karbo didn't try to skirt around these questionable character flaws, but faced them head on (which I do admire). "The Gospel" did give me a few laughs and I did learn a few things about the woman behind the suit and LBD which is all I ask for or require from any book. I do recommend this to anybody that wants an interesting read. I only have one suggestion for the author the next time she sits herself down in front of the computer: don't take the competitors of Chanel personally. She fought all of Chanel's battles all over again as if she, Karbo, had been directly spoken to. On the whole, Karbo did a great job. Thanks for the education and best explanation of a very mystical woman's life.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 26, 2011 by Soflo Tatted Barber
A Fun Take on Chanel
This book is a humorous reminder of Chanel's life story and how Chanel's contributions shaped a way of life through her example, as well as through her designs. Chanel dressed the contemporary woman as Chanel, herself, wanted to be dressed. For the first time in eons, women's comfort was taken into consideration, allowing the active, responsible, busy woman a wardrobe that reflected 20th century sensibilities, while still infusing luxury and elegance, and, also, flattering the female form. Author, Karen Karbo, respects her subject and her audience. With humor and reverence, she reminds us of who brought us the clothes, accessories and perfume, that we love, and that enhance our existence even today. Karbo recognizes that Chanel was and is a lifestyle package that is just as relevant today in the 21st Century as it was in the 20th Century. She imparts the historical facts and wisdom of this fashion icon with a fun and very readable writing technique. It was interesting to hear how Chanel influenced the writer. The writer sympathetically and honestly brought Chanel to life for us to enjoy. Thanks, Ms. Karbo.
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Reviewed in the United States on March 17, 2014 by Book Maven
Best suited for a fashionista
Format: Hardcover
I loved the author's books on Hepburn and O'Keeffe so this seemed a natural next read. I gave up on the Coco story about a quarter into the book - I'm a guy that doesn't follow fashion or the people doing haute couture so all the references to collars, belts and fabrics went right over the top my head. It's my opinion this book isn't for those not hip to new and historical fashion houses. The "meat & potatoes" of what made Coco "Coco" is thin and buried somewhere in the latter part of the book.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2022 by Will
Excellent seller, prompt delivery and great product
Format: Hardcover
Product arrived promptly in new condition. The seller sent a personal note with the order and is a great seller
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2026 by Georgio55
I am in the middle and really enjoying it.
This is an informative, light read. Very entertaining while educational, you learn about fashion, history, Chanel and it's worth it. If you are at all interested in Coco. Read it. I am a novice in the fashion world so really appreciated the lessons about the different kinds of Chanel and how her style really continues to influence the world, even if you don't look good in the traditional tweed jacket. I have a curvy body type but the simple comfortable style, pearls, black, white, jersey. We would all be a lot more uncomfortable if it weren't for Chanel being a savvy business woman who made due with what she had. Read the book to find out what i mean.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 22, 2012 by NoelAnn
Condition: Excellent
Format: Hardcover
The book is in excellent condition! I am currently reading it and thoroughly enjoying it. 🙂
Reviewed in the United States on February 9, 2026 by Cheryl A Kenders