Independent media since 2014
by Charlotte Wannebroucq · CNE Accredited Gemmologist

CHANEL THE LEGEND OF AN ICON

"CHANEL: The Legend of an Icon" revisits its "Ultimate" volume "Chanel: The Impossible Collection". Assouline offers a visual and textual exploration of one hundred key pieces that have marked the history of the house. Timeless classics such as the black little dress, the tweed jacket, the bicolor pumps, the rows of faux pearls, the quilted leather bag, and the iconic perfume bottle are highlighted through archival and contemporary photographs.
Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Updated on September 16
Updated on 16 September 2026
© ASSOULINE
ASSOULINE CHANEL

CHANEL The Legend of an Icon, a captivating story.

The editions Assouline we offer a new publication with «CHANEL: The Legend of an Icon», a tribute to the house CHANEL And to its visionary founder, Gabrielle Chanel. Written by journalist Alexander Fury, this book offers a wealth of iconography and a captivating narrative, tracing the evolution of the iconic brand. Along the pages, it celebrates the iconic creations that have shaped the history of contemporary fashion.

© ASSOULINE
© ASSOULINE

Gabrielle, an unparalleled autodidact, was able to sense the changes in contemporary fashion better than anyone of her time. She redefined luxury with a minimalist approach, integrating humble fabrics like jersey and tweed into Haute Couture. This approach gave birth to a silhouette that was both understated and sophisticated, embodying a discreet luxury that has indelibly marked the 20th century. Under her leadership, the House revolutionized not only women’s fashion but also the way women perceived and used their clothes. Gabrielle freed women from rigid dress codes, offering creations that reflected a transforming society. These innovations had a lasting impact on our contemporary wardrobe.
After Gabrielle’s passing, Karl Lagerfeld took the reins of the house and breathed new life into it. Drawing on the rich history of CHANEL, With his leadership, Karl was able to reinvent the codes of the maison, modernizing clothing and redefining the fashion industry., CHANEL It has consolidated its status as an icon of contemporary fashion.

© Donald Robertson
© Donald Robertson

«CHANEL: The Legend of an Icon» revises its Ultimate volume «Chanel: The Impossible Collection». It offers a visual and textual exploration of one hundred key pieces that have marked the history of the house. Timeless classics such as the little black dress, the tweed jacket, the bicolor pumps, the rows of faux pearls, the quilted leather bag, and the iconic perfume bottle are highlighted through archival and contemporary photographs.
Alexander Fury offers a detailed and erudite text that immerses the reader in the world of CHANEL, paying tribute to the indelible impact of the brand on fashion and culture. The book celebrates not only the iconic creations but also the innovative spirit of Gabrielle Chanel and her successors.

Assouline once again succeeds in capturing the essence of a legend, offering readers an unforgettable journey through history and heritage. CHANEL.

Assouline.com

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Charlotte Wannebroucq, CNE-certified expert gemmologist
The author

Charlotte Wannebroucq

Gemmologist expert, member of the CNE-Art, and expert in signed jewelry. Twenty-five years of experience at the heart of Parisian jewelry, between the Carré Rive Gauche and Place Vendôme.
She signs the decryptions of collections, the analyses of stones and the estimates published in Esprit Joaillerie. Each piece commented on is examined in person, in the workshop, in the sales room or in the showroom.
  • Expertise

    Gemmology and signed jewellery

  • Member

    CNE-Art

  • Experience

    Over 25 years in Parisian jewellery