C W Gortner

Mademoiselle Chanel C W Gortner

Publisher Marketing:"A vivid novel full of drama, passion, tragedy, and beauty that stunningly imagines the life of iconic fashion designer Coco Chanel the ambitious, gifted laundrywoman s daughter who revolutionized fashion, built an international empire, and become one of the most influential and controversial figures of the twentieth century"Born into rural poverty, Gabrielle Chanel and her siblings are sent to orphanage after their mother s death. The sisters nurture Gabrielle s exceptional sewing skills, a talent that will propel the willful young woman into a life far removed from the drudgery of her childhood. Transforming herself into Coco a seamstress and sometime torch singer the petite brunette burns with ambition, an incandescence that draws a wealthy gentleman who will become the love of her life. She immerses herself in his world of money and luxury, discovering a freedom that sparks her creativity. But it is only when her lover takes her to Paris that Coco discovers her destiny. Rejecting the frilly, corseted silhouette of the past, her sleek, minimalist styles reflect the youthful ease and confidence of the 1920s modern woman. As Coco s reputation spreads, her couturier business explodes, taking her into rarefied society circles and bohemian salons. But her fame and fortune cannot save her from heartbreak as the years pass. And when Paris falls to the Nazis, Coco is forced to make choices that will haunt her. An enthralling novel of an extraordinary woman who created the life she desired, "Mademoiselle Chanel "explores the inner world of a woman of staggering ambition whose strength, passion, and artistic vision would become her trademark." Contributor Bio:  Gortner, C W A former fashion executive, C. W. Gortner is a lifelong admirer of Coco Chanel. His passion for writing led him to give up fashion, and his many historical novels have been bestsellers, published in more than twenty countries. He lives in San Francisco. Contributor Bio:  Gibel, Rebecca Rebecca Gibel, an award-winning stage, television, and voice actress, has worked across the country at theaters such as Trinity Rep, Cleveland Play House, and the Arden Theatre Company. Rebecca has narrated over fifty audiobooks and is facile in a wide variety of genres.