The Last Collection

A Novel of Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel

By: Jeanne Mackin

Narrated by: Sarah Mollo-Christensen

An American woman becomes entangled in the intense rivalry between iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in this vivid novel from the acclaimed author of The Beautiful American.

Paris, 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli are fighting for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their politics and their designs: Chanel's are classic, elegant, and practical; Schiaparelli's bold, experimental, and surreal.

When Lily Sutter, a recently widowed American teacher, travels to Paris to visit her brother, Charlie, he insists on buying her a couture dress for her birthday - a Chanel. Lily reluctantly agrees but wants a Schiaparelli, not a Chanel. Charlie's beautiful and socially prominent girlfriend begins wearing Schiaparelli's designs as well, and soon much of Paris is following in her footsteps.

Schiaparelli offers budding artist Lily a job at her store, and suddenly, Lily finds herself increasingly involved with Schiaparelli and Chanel's personal war. Their fierce competition reaches new and dangerous heights as the Nazis and the looming threat of World War II bear down on Paris.

©2019 Jeanne Mackin (P)2019 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“A fascinating insight into a war of passion and ambition set amid the looming threat of the Nazi invasion of Paris. With elegant, vibrant writing, Mackin cleverly captures the infamous rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in a novel that historical fiction fans will savor.” (Hazel Gaynor, New York Times best-selling author of The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter)

"Sophisticated couture wars and looming world wars take center stage in Mackin’s latest, with a plot that buzzes with love triangles and political intrigue. A gorgeous meditation on art, fashion, and heartbreak. Stunning." (Fiona Davis, national bestselling author of The Masterpiece)

“The Last Collection brings to center stage the fascinating life of Elsa Schiaparelli in a story that is as elegantly constructed as the clothes she designed. The combination of Schiap’s fierce rivalry with Coco Chanel and the inevitable war makes for a palpable tension, and Jeanne Mackin ultimately delivers an ending that is beautiful, heartbreaking, and perfect in every way.” (Michelle Gable, New York Times best-selling author of A Paris Apartment)

Insight into the World of Fashion and Friendships

Having read about Coco Chanel I wanted insight into her great rival, Elsa Schiaparelli. It is told through the eyes of Lily Sutter, a young widow who visits her brother in Paris where he is in love with a wealthy woman. Anya introduces Lily to Schiaparelli and to Coco.

In the run up to WWII these three women try to maintain a normal life, to not let down their standards of fashion. The parties continue, the wealthy women compete for position and prestige.

There are so many layers to this story, love, friendship, fashion and how an artist sees the world. Lily’s words about art and color provide great insight and a way to look at the world.

One of the best WWII themed books I have read.

Amazing

Author makes you feel like you are at the elegant Paris parties. You can see the dresses. Great story!!!

Interesting story

I enjoyed the story and storyteller. Great character voices. The story content was an interesting way to tell history, a love story, and give a new perspective on fashion.

Well done

I enjoyed following Lilly’s life intertwined with iconic designers Chanel and Schiaparelli. It was a very good read.

Fashionably wonderful

I really enjoyed this book. The characters were well-drawn and the narration flawless. Ah, to have known Schiaperelli AND Chanel. One could only wish. Highly recommend.

I loved this book!

I am going to recommend this wonderful historical fiction to my bookclub. I was reading it while visiting Paris and loved seeing and knowing all the locations in the book...had champagne at the Ritz and visited Rue Cambon 31...it is a must read in my book!

The narrator’s voice was perfect

I felt as if I was in a friend’s room as she told me about herself. We had reached a point in time when we could share our thoughts and experiences without judgment. And this brought us closer together. If you like how you feel in your clothes and how it represents your personality, this book would interest you.
I knew the history but loved this perspective.

Amazing story!

I had not known all of the history between Elsa and Coco so this was a fascinating read! The author did amazing job of bringing in historical facts!

Lush descriptions, full characters

I love the way Jeanne Mackin writes: you can see and feel the fabrics and fashions she describes, you can hear the people speaking. Descriptions and metaphors are so rich. Mackin’s dialogue sounds so real and immediate. Her lush words carry along the plot and bring Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli right before you.

Marvelous Book

Just love this author and love this book! Narrator was SUPERB!
So enjoyed the inclusion of Chanel and Scaparelli as main characters!
Hope Audible will consider offering more than just two of Ms Mackin’s books!