Customer Reviews

Chanel (Metropolitan Museum of Art Publications)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I bought this book because I thought that I would be able to see everything in the exhibition in detail, and more, as is usually the case with most catalogs from museum shows. Well, this was not the case at all! There was so little in this book, that I decided to return it because it was such a disappointment. The book shows three views of the same few dresses, one view per page, and a tiny bit of the jewelry, with many big blank pages spread out in between, as if they had to get this done in a hurry and had to fill up a certain amount of pages by press time, so it would look like it was "designed". It didn't show anywhere near the scope of what Chanel did, either a long time ago or the more recent things done by Lagerfeld.

I couldn't disagree more heartily with those who recommended this book as a "beautiful coffee table book." At this price and with this subject matter this could have been a truly amazing look at the history of the House of Chanel and it's transition from the early years of Coco to the present leadershiop of Karl Lagerfeld. The text is mediocre and the photos are terrible. The general visual quality of the book is absolutely reprehensible.The dresses are all reproduced in a poor quality "Liz Taylor in the White Diamonds commercial" fake fuzzy lens. There is not one really great photo of an actual garment in this entire book. As someone who saw the actual exhibit the book is based on, I feel the Metropolitan really missed on this one. The exhibit itself was magnificent, this poorly concieved book is a complete dud. Save your money for one of the many other books detailing the life and work of Coco Chanel.

This is one of the most beautiful catalogues ever produced in conjunction with a retrospective exhibition of a fashion house.
Color photographs of the surviving outfits designed by Miss Chanel from the early years of her career until her death, as well as work by Karl Lagerfeld, track the development of the inimitable Chanel style.
Her famous tweed suits appear along with the understated evening wear for which she was celebrated during the 1920s and 1930s. The equally famous jewellery and accessories which are an essential part of the Chanel style have also been included in the book.
I can't imagine any fan of Chanel being disappointed with this book. Highly recommended.

This book is a wonderful pictoral catalog of the pieces from the 20th century's greatest fashion designer. Beautifully presented with commentary, are some of Chanel's most famous items, and many items that are not as well known, but showcase Coco's quirky and independent personality. Also featured are pieces from the House of Chanel under the direction of Karl Lagerfeld. Definately worth the price, it's essential to the library of any fashion or costume designer.

Interesting look at the Chanel collection through the years. The book conveys that it is part of a museum collection. Alhtough they try to add some graphics to the "mannequins" the display of the clothes are very much similar to what may be displayed in a museum.

I bought this book after seeing the Chanel exhibit at the Met. The pictures are nice, but I wish they showed more pictures of real people wearing clothes as opposed to the eccentric mannequins they used in the exhibit. A couple of blank pages here and there. I wish there was slightly more history behind the clothes. Still not a bad coffee table book on Chanel

I am a couturiére to follow my passion and, of course, I already own a bunch of "Mademoiselle Chanel" books. Let's say that I own a couple of meters of fashion monographies and that I love this one.
If you are interested in feeling the details of the artwork of both, Coco+Karl, you will get a number of details to learn about.
Even though it is supposed to be a catalogue, what it is, it can be in the handbook shelf of a loving seammistress.
On Chanel, at this price, you do not get more than the far feeling of her style.
The forewords cover quite well her meaning and her significancy.
As a gift it is quite showy also thanks for the transparent chemise.
it always depends on what you are looking for.

Seriously - I saw the show in May 2005 and it really is a mixed bag. The book is superior to the exhibit. There are numerous garments in the catalog that are not in the show, and the book also showcases Chanel's unique interior details and construction. The exhibit displays the garments only from the front and you can't get any closer than about 5 feet to any of them. Plus, the exhibit lighting is *terrible* - way too dark!....Buy this book and don't bother making a special NYC trip to see the exhibit.

This is a beautiful book and one you would love to have in your home. Of course, since I work for the company it is dear to me. I have given this book to three different people and they all have loved it. If you want to give something special to someone-- this is it.

While many were critical of this exhibition focusing so much upon M. Lagerfeld, I was not and within the pages of this volume lies the reason.
This catalogue is a tour de force of the CHANEL House of Haute Couture and while in no means exhaustive presents a beautiful overview of the creations offered by both the founder and to the time of printing, of M. Lagerfeld. This is a beautiful catalogue and I highly recommend it to all who adore Haute Couture, Style, and Fashion.