The Last Collection

With World War II looming over Paris an American woman becomes entangled in the intense rivalry between iconic fashion designers Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in this fascinating (Hazel Gaynor) novel from the acclaimed author of The Beautiful American.. Paris 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli are fighting for recognition as the most successful fashion designer in France and their rivalry is already legendary. They oppose each other at every turn in both their politics and their designs: Chanels are classic elegant and practical; Schiaparellis are bold experimental and surreal.. When Lily Sutter a recently widowed young American teacher visits her brother Charlie in Paris he wants to buy her a couture dressa Chanel. Lily however prefers a Schiaparelli. Charlies socially prominent girlfriend soon begins wearing Schiaparellis designs too and much of Paris follows in her footsteps.. Schiaparelli offers budding artist Lily a job at her store and Lily finds herself increasingly involved in the designers personal war. Their fierce competition reaches new and dangerous heights as the Nazis and World War II bear down on Paris.