Mademoiselle Chanel

The Fader just posted an expose on a charming new book coming out this summer, a photographic chronicle of the late great Mademoiselle Chanel. Shot by photographer Douglass Kirkland for a 1962 Look magazine piece, the photos capture Coco at work and play in what can only be described as her last reigning summer. Almost 80, Coco's suited French elegance was beginning to fade out of style as the swinging 60s were on their way in. Miss Chanel must have sensed the impending trends, but her impish smile and polished professionalism expel any sense of doubt that might have been in her mind.

The book's heartfelt forward is written by none other than current Chanel mouthpiece Karl Lagerfeld, and Mademoiselle--Coco Chanel/Summer 62 is set to be released this August. Certainly worth a peek in the bookstore, even if you can't afford to buy the book!