‘Chanel: The Impossible Collection’ is Alexander Fury’s New Book Capturing The Maison’s 100 Most Iconic Looks

Gabrielle Chanel was a trailblazer. Known to her nearest and dearest as Coco, the designer revolutionised womenswear by changing the course of modern and luxury fashion. She’s the designer responsible for the Little Black Dress, known for her pioneering elevation of fabrics such as tweed and jersey and for cultivating a new modern silhouette. Chanel’s two-tone pumps, quilted handbags and apothecary-based perfume bottles are all instantly recognisable designs and, in turn, desired, imitated and parodied, even nearly a century later. Her brainchild Chanel is one of those few truly iconic brands that have a timeless global appeal, continued and constantly cultivated under the direction of the legendary Karl Lagerfeld and now Virginie Viard. The venerable Maison is the subject of a new book, celebrating 100 of the most iconic looks, curated in an awe-inducing volume by none other than journalist, author, critic and long-term Ten contributor and long-time friend Mr Alexander Fury.

Part of Assouline’s Ultimate Collection of ultra-luxe books, Chanel: The Impossible Collection is akin to a museum exhibition realised in the form of an impeccably produced limited-edition coffee-table book. Throughout the 232 pages and with over 180 illustrations, Fury discerningly curates a survey of the most memorable and era-defining designs realised over the House’s history. Delving in the archives, the compendium showcases imagery from private collections, specialist museums, archives and, of course, the images taken by the world’s top photographers. From Coco’s revolutionary origins right through to Lagerfeld’s radical realisations of her signature codes is chronicled inside the luxury clamshell case. As Chanel put it: “Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Chanel: The Impossible Collection solidifies that sentiment. You can guess what is at the top of our Christmas lists now…

‘Chanel: The Impossible Collection’ by Alexander Fury is available to buy online and in selected stores.

assouline.com

© Verdura

© Laziz Hamani

© L’Officiel, 1961, Georges Saad

© Daniel Jouanneau, Vogue Paris

© Silverman_Rodgers Collection, courtesy The Kent State University Museum

© Courtesy of Daphne Guiness, Photography by Nick D'Emilio