Published to accompany the V&A blockbuster exhibition, this stunning book documents Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel’s extraordinary design career from her first boutique to her death in 1971. Specially commissioned photographs of over 80 ensembles illustrate an exploration of the design themes and motifs that Chanel returned to throughout her career, and sumptuous detail shots explore the textiles, cut, construction and embellishment of the pieces. This book grants readers close-up access to the work of the designer who, arguably more than any other, changed the way that women dress today.