Long before social media existed, Gabrielle Chanel was the first beauty influencer.
The founder and namesake of the French fashion house recognized the transformative power of lipstick, loose powder and blush, both for herself and her clients. In 1924, she launched a makeup line.
“It was an unexpected move, nevertheless the collection grabbed her audience’s imagination, led to international acclaim and blossomed into a century of make-believe, modernity and magic,” writes Natasha Fraser in her exquisite new coffee table book, “Chanel. The Allure of Makeup.”
The 408-page volume, housed in a glossy lipstick-red slipcase, traces the 100-year history of Chanel cosmetic creation and features iconic campaign images lensed by the world’s leading photographers and film directors. A who’s who of celebrities and top models grace the oversized pages, from Diane Kruger captured by Patrick Demarchelier with a velvety complexion to an inky-eyed Kristen Stewart shot by Mario Testino, along with a rosy-cheeked Margot Robbie immortalized by Karim Sadli. Gisele Bünchen, Kirsty Hume, Shalom Harlow, Lily-Rose Depp and Keira Knightley are among the many famous faces pictured.
Fraser, a longtime resident of Paris who authored “Monsieur Dior, “Loulou de la Falaise,” and “Sam Spiegel,” as well as two memoirs, was granted access to the archives and the experts. She writes a deeply sourced account of the maison’s product innovation, knit together with historical background, fashion reportage, insider anecdotes and quotes from Mademoiselle Chanel.
The tome is organized into seven chapters named after the house’s key colors – Black, White, Beige, Red, Pink, Gold, and Blue. The talents in artistic direction and makeup creation are showcased, from Dominique Moncourtois and Heidi Morawetz, who shaped the brand for decades, to today’s inspired Cometes Collective, the name for global makeup creative partners Cécile Paravina, Ammy Drammeh and Valentina Li. Dozens of seldom-seen archive product shots reflect how the brand’s just-right shades and finishes are simultaneously timeless and ahead of the trends. Take Rouge Noir, the bestselling dark nail polish that set the stage for unconventional colors, or the Les Beiges collection of natural shades. Both gained cult status and inspired countless imitators.
Just in time for the holidays, this book is a gorgeous gift for Chanel fans, makeup aficionados and book lovers alike.
