An Education on Style
Karen Karbo shared her extensive research on fashion icon Coco Chanel
Prior to Karen Karbo’s presentation on November 21st, I hadn’t thought much about Coco Chanel. I had equated the designer with those little suits that Nancy Reagan wore. But after the evening was over, I had a whole new picture of Coco Chanel. She was a resourceful, innovative, and determined woman, whose story is an inspiration to anyone with an ‘impossible’ dream.
Karbo’s new book, The Gospel according Coco Chanel–Life Lessons From the World’s Most Elegant Woman, takes an unusual approach. It’s not a biography, although you’ll learn all sorts of things about Coco’s life, but rather a sort of philosophy book. On Style: ”Anything that’s got simple lines, skims the body, is easy to move in, and affords the loading on of a lot of jewelry is Chanel.” Nothing quirky or trendy or cheesy. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot. I guess I can finally get rid of those uncomfortable, low-cut, acid-washed designer jeans.
On Self-Invention: “Chanel had several things going for her–not the least of which was the sting of necessity, which forced her to inventory her modest advantages and figure out how to leverage them. Her list was short, but would serve her in good stead for the rest of her life: a. Her looks, b. Her mind, including her powers of observation, c. Her ability to gallop a horse through the forest.”
Okay, so maybe Chanel’s list was a little longer, but it was great fun listening to Karbo weave her tale. Everybody loves to hear someone’s path from literal poorhouse to the glamorous world of Paris and fashion. It certainly did a lot more for me than watching one of those horrible reality shows. Not that I do. Hey, I don’t even have cable.
