My Mr FF knows of my love for fashion and in particular anything to do with Coco Chanel. I was surprised and delighted this morning when, on returning from his travels, he gave me the dearest little book entitled, The Allure of Chanel. Mr FF has many excellent and adorable qualities and one of his talents is choosing gifts. He has that knack of knowing exactly what I like and what my interests are. It could be said that after so many years of marriage he should know where my enthusiasms lay, but I am sure most woman would agree with me when I say this is not something to be taken for granted. I am so very lucky that Mr FF has superb taste and is still happy to surprise me after all these years.
The Allure of Chanel was written by Paul Morand and first published in France in 1976; it has only recently been translated into English. At the end of the Second World War Coco Chanel invited writer Paul Morand to St Moritz to begin work on her memoirs. During their time together in Switzerland he made many notes of their conversations but for some reason on his return home he placed these notes in a drawer and forgot about them; they were only found a year after Chanel's death.
This is a small book, a paperback, compiled from the forgotten notes of Paul Morand. Pushkin Press promises me that I will learn much about Mademoiselle Chanel's philosophy on fashion, her romances (in particular with the Duke of Westminster) and the inside story on the most classic No 5 fragrance.
According to the Spectator, ....this enchanting, tiny book is the closest anyone can get to a face-to-face with Coco. It's written in her voice ('that voice that gushed forth from her mouth like lava') and in her words ('those words that crackled like dried vines'), and though it's full of lies, omissions and contradictions, there's enough raw truth in it to reflect the extraordinary woman who was Chanel.
Allure; to be attractive, charming and enticing - the French dictionary adds speed of movement and fast pace to the English definition. In either language this word is a fitting description for Coco Chanel. xv
Chanel's life story is a very interesting one. I haven't read this particular book, but I have read some others about her. You're right, Mr. FF has excellent taste. What a nice gift.
ReplyDeleteSam
This looks like a wonderful book. I'm fascinated by her.
ReplyDeleteLovely. I was so very surprised to see this...I have it in French from years ago. So pleased to hear this news, thank you so much. And, again, this is why I say 'fie' to those who would have me rid myself of books. Presumably this would be on their list.
ReplyDeleteLovely to pop in...now I hear major storms on their way & so must shut down. cheers from Washington, DC.
Susan
How wonderful!! My husband gave me a book all about Coco's jewelry and as a jewelry designer myself it was a sweet and perfect gift. Love your blog!
ReplyDeleteShelly
You are so very right...this talent (gift selection) is one to be prized and cherished! I cannot even say that I have it. I think it wears out if we don't practice. I hope you do tell us the secret behind the yummiest of all, No 5.
ReplyDeletexo
Isn't it a glorious thing to have a husband who knows you well enough to bring you back a book? Candy and flowers are wonderful, but to get a book is divine.
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds most interesting, reminding me somewhat of the Diana Vreeland autobiography. That one was also, I seriously suspect, full of "lies", but oh so entertaining.
Have a lovely weekend!
Hello Vicki
ReplyDeleteI would indeed agree with you, a thoughtful husband is not to be taken for granted, its a lovely gift.
I saw a movie about life of Coco Chanel's not too long ago, she seems to have been a very dynamic woman, with many dimensions to her personality.
I'm looking forward to seeing the Coco Chanel movie out at the cinema, but the book looks like it will be a great read too. If I could put in a few words my favourite look it would be Chanel, simple classic black dress, pearls and heels with a quilted bag to finish the look.
ReplyDeleteAt the moment the reality is, I'm sitting in my PJ's and slippers hair pulled on top of my head, looking very daggy, blogging away happily xx
This is beautiful on two levels. The perfect choice and the impromptu gift. Have a great weekend and thanks for popping by to say hello! Julie
ReplyDeleteJ'adoreeeeee Chanel!
ReplyDeleteinterested reading on your lovely blogg!! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteAgneta from Sweden
Have you seen, "Coco avant Chanel," with Audrey Tautou? I'm curious what your reactions are to this film.
ReplyDeleteWhat a little treasure and Mr FF, a treasure himself.
ReplyDeleteI'm half way through your book; love the padded cover and the red ribbon bookmark is a nice touch. I'll curl up in front of the fire this afternoon and read the rest - loving it.
Hi!
ReplyDeleteI think you have a nice blog, beatiful photos and smart posts.Would you follow me, because I don't want to lost your blog.I’m wating your visit.
kisses
May have to pick this book up - I, too, love the stories of Chanel and being a milliner......sometimes I channel Chanel
ReplyDeleteOh how wonderful to have a husband so thoughtful...with years and knowing these things come! I have read several books on Coco but not this one, I will have to look for it...new books (like yours) are so wonderful, but there is something different to the feel of the pages of an older book that is like opening up a treasure box full of antiques and secrets.
ReplyDeleteI hope it is as good a read as it sounds! Such a mesmerizing woman...
Nathalie
Hi Vicki, What a fantastic little present! Mr FF has great taste! :) Enjoy your read, I know how much you love Chanel!
ReplyDeletexoxo
Judith~
moi mon mari est adorable,vraiment mais il tombe toujours a coté pour les cadeaux!!!!
ReplyDeletebon week end
manon
i love chanel too!
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely book. I'm sure you will find more truth on Chanel's life and thoughts here than the current movie. Although the movie looks like fun! I hope your weekend is a relaxing one and you get a chance to read your gift. xx
ReplyDeleteVery sweet Mr FF is!
ReplyDeleteLove Coco, will check it out, thank you.
Enjoy your weekend.
Mr. FF is a wonderful man with exquisite taste. No doubt you two make the perfect pair!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your special new book and happy weekend!
her history is very interesting, and to read about her 'private life' and choices she made with the times...
ReplyDeletehow great he knows what to get you!
Sounds like a wonderful book.
ReplyDeleteHow lucky you are that Mr FF has such great taste - well he would have to wouldn't he, he did chose you to be his wife!!LOL
No seriously it is a wonderful gift.
Alison
Now it sounds like you can tuck yourself in and read this weekend! What a lovely treat...on soo many levels! Great hubs...Great book!
ReplyDeleteI love reading biographies. I have read a few on Chanel and they are very interesting. I'll have to pick this one up too.
ReplyDeleteGreat gift!
ReplyDeleteLooks like a fun book.
ReplyDeleteI miss the Spectator which used to be online free...
Merci
You are a lucky woman, Vicki. I think you are correct. Most men do not know their wives that well.
ReplyDeleteI'm off to buy the book!
xo
Brooke
ALLURE............ that's it!!! Now I know what I need to focus on. (who knew) Thanks for pointing me in the right direction. Have a great week-end with Mr. FF--sounds like a superlative man.
ReplyDeleteI must get my Mr. FBlue to go buy this for me~ Anything to learn more about this amazing woman. Sometimes just one line in a book like this will inspire me to no end and lead me to places that I still must find.
ReplyDeletexx's
So thoughtful ... .
ReplyDeleteyou deserves a man who would see this book and bring it home to you -
Jjjj
i think i have to read it !
ReplyDeleteyou said 'little' right ?
i tend to not take on big fat books unless they are mostly pictures.
ha ha xxx
Oh what a perfect little book. I love the cover. I have a sketch of her standing in front of this fireplace. How wonderful that your husband truly knows you. nice!
ReplyDeleteDeb
Lucky girl to be married to a man who listens to you and proves it by the gifts he bestows upon you.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to get hold of a copy of the English version of this book! Merci Hx
Oh, what a blessing to have such a sweet hubby! Adore him! Give him a huge hug from me. Since a man that can actually choose the perfect gift is so hard to find. Isn't it just the smallest gestures of thoughtfulness that can can take you over the edge? Someone that actually listens, thinks and gets you entirely? Oh... it's such a gift...
ReplyDeletexo,
Christina
What a lovely book and even lovelier that your husband bought you such a thoughtful gift...you are right .. this is not a given with most guys!
ReplyDeletexx
How sweet of Mr. FF - that is a rare to have a husband who can choose gifts that you really, actually LIKE. Looks delightful and I hope you enjoy it. Have a beautiful weekend, Vicki! XO
ReplyDeleteHow completely adorable that your hubby brings you such thoughtful and meaningful gifts. You are truly lucky. I'd love to hear all about the book when you've finished! Isn't it amazing how the littlest things can bring us the greatest happiness?
ReplyDeletelove coco... i wore my new sassy red sandals today ....and your sweet husband sounds like a gem... have a great weekend.. pam
ReplyDeleteThank you for introducing us to this book. I hope you'll let us know how you like it--and share a tidbit or two.
ReplyDeleteDear Ms. Archer,
ReplyDeletePlease enrol MOTH in Mr. FF's next intensive workshop,'How To Buy Your Wife The Perfect Gift Every Time!' MOTH may need to repeat this particular workshop, but I'm willing to pay. The last book this particular husband bought me was 'The Red Fox – The Biography of Norm Smith, Legendary
Melbourne Football Club Coach.' He thought I would find it interesting!
Kind regards Millie ^_^
Coco was an amazing woman. Unbelievable talented. What a fabulous gift!
ReplyDeleteYour blog is soo cute & nice & very tasty!!
ReplyDeleteRegards from Agneta in Sweden
I hope I can find this book. It sounds like a treasure!
ReplyDeleteyou most certainly are lucky to be sharing a life with someone who pays attention and who still revels in giving gifts.
ReplyDeletei've never heard of this book but it sounds brilliant.
Chanel No.5 was my first 'grown up' perfume, so I've always had a soft spot for anything to do with Chanel. Sounds a fascinating read.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful, thoughtful gift from Mr FF. I agree Vicki, a husband who is still keen to surprise you with a thoughtful gift is not to be taken for granted....and he's happy to go to vintage markets with you... Mr FF rocks. Meredith xo.
ReplyDeleteI have read other books about CC and she was such a very interesting eclectic woman...way ahead of her time!
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful husband! I'm off to see the Chanel movie on Tuesday night and can't wait - such an interesting woman! Tracey xx
ReplyDeletehmmm looks very interesting, I have read much about her, an amazing character
ReplyDeleteMr FF has superb taste...what a fabulous book! Ax
ReplyDeleteVicki, you lucky girl..your husband certainly has very good taste!
ReplyDeleteI never read this book and i'm so sure it should be so interesting.
I always viewed Mlle Chanel as a model, I'm just fascinated by the way she bounced back and was successful again when she was 70.
Enjoy the reading!
She was extraordinary indeed. Can you imagine how fashion would have been without her?
ReplyDeleteVicki, Sounds like you have found yourself a hubby with insight and a knack for gift giving! Love the book. Coco Chanel is fascinating. (I once used her name as a famous person's play name...and my friend was "Ava"...for Ava Gardner. We debated over the names and she graciously gave me "Coco". The game lasted years...Coco days...sigh... :-))
ReplyDeleteI am curious about how people live their lives...and about life stories in general. I think that's why I love the blog world. You must be having a wonderful time this season in France. How relaxing to read this book in such a sunny romantic atmosphere. <3
It is easy to make Chanel appealing however you have done much more. What I find most alluring in this post is your sharing the beauty of a long term marriage and the delights of being really known by another. Lovely.
ReplyDelete"...and one of his talents is choosing gifts." My husband would kill for this superhero talent :) I can honestly say that he LOVES it when a box arrives at the door and I tell him that it's a gift he bought for me :) Happy wife, happy life.
ReplyDeleteIsn't a gift for no reason the best? This made me think of 'DV' by Vreeland which I have read several times. I like books where you can actually hear the person's voice as you're reading. I've heard DV speak, but I've never heard Chanel. Do you know if there is 'easy to find' footage of her speaking?
ReplyDeleteCatherine xx
I agree, Mr. FF has fabulous taste, and no, that is not something we should take for granted! What a charming gift...it can only be thrilling to glimpse more of the alluring Coco.
ReplyDeleteHi Vicki - C'est moi encore.
ReplyDeleteI found a film of Chanel being interviewed and just posted it on my blog. I just realized it is the middle of the night where you are, so - Have a great day today!
Catherine
What a wonderful book. I'll be on the lookout for it. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful little book about a fascinating woman who had so much impact not just on fashion but on romance, love and how women view themselves.
ReplyDeleteAs for Mr. FF having a knack for knowing what you love -- he obviously loves you and likes you so much that he pays attention to your enthusiasms...and you're right...that is a gift that not many men possess!