This post is the first of many of a new feature i've decided to write leading up to Christmas. You'll be relieved to know that this isn't no ordinary gift guide, as i've already practically memorised (and circled with a big fat red marker) the entire contents of the Boots catalog. I've decided to showcase the many beautiful coffee table books i have acquired over many past birthdays and Christmases, maybe as a gift idea for a lovely friend, or lets not beat around the bush, your Christmas list. They all range from beauty, fashion and style, to kick of this week i decided to start with my favourite book that resides on my overflowing bookcase.
I first came across the beautiful Chanel, Collections and Creations written by Daniele Bott when i was searching for a gift for a close friend. This amazingly detailed coffee table book not only houses a wealth of knowledge surrounding the iconic French fashion brand but unveils the most beautiful imagery, of which is undeniably stunning, detailing the moving journey of Chanel, from Coco to Karl. After my friend received this, she then made prints of the images and framed them, hence the long over-zealous photos i had to include as in-sight..
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The ever-changing design of buttons on the iconic tweed suit. |
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The Cameila in a range of different creations, different sizes and fabrics. |
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The Camelia bun! |
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The iconic N.o5 diamond necklace as seen on Nicole |
The house of Chanel opened its private image archives especially, showing the historical journey of the Chanel brand, from the iconic exact designs from Coco Chanel to the modern day transformation of Karl Largerfield. The book itself covers five central themes rooted to Chanel: the classic tweed suit (of which i will own several of by my seventies), the camellia, fine jewellery, fragrances and cosmetics, and finally the little black dress. I could waffle on about this grand yet sleek coffee table has to offer on each theme but i will say what i learnt from this guide, is the story behind the Camelia, the famous flower incorporated in many classic designs, still to this day. The Camelia is a simple, classic white flower favourited by Coco, for its likeness to her style: feminine yet androgynous. The flower also bares no scent, as not to interfere with any perfumes - something i find fascinating. Even still to this day Karl Largerfield always reworks the Cameilia into each of his collections, its always present yet in a completely different creation.
Any other titles devoted to Chanel i should hunt out?
