Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon

Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is an illustrated biography of Coco Chanel's life from the internationally renowned illustrator and author, Megan Hess.

It features key moments from Coco's amazing life and iconic items from the fashion empire that she built. Think an illustrated picture book for adults, told through Megan's stylish and feminine illustrations with a fun, whimsical and magical bent. 

Coco Chanel takes us on a romp through the three distinct chapters of Coco's life: from Coco’s early life and building the brand, to the empire she created, to the legacy she left behind, and how her style is still influential and iconic today.

Coco Chanel is arguably the most significant influence on women's fashion in the twentieth century, a key designer to not only have captured a moment in fashion history but to have shaped the fashion landscape in years to come.

Coco Chanel is a compilation of Megan Hess' stunning illustrations of the 100 most quintessential moments through Chanel's history, from Coco's incredible life to the impact of Karl Lagerfeld as creative director of the brand, and the incredible items that have become fashion icons the little black dress, the classic tweed jacket, the luxurious bags, alluring jewellery and, of course, the renowned Chanel No. 5 perfume.

Interspersed with anecdotes and famous quotes from Coco herself, Karl Lagerfeld and other key fashion icons, this book is an elegant and immersive celebration of the moments that shaped Coco and the iconic Chanel brand and how Coco Chanel, in turn, has shaped our lives.

About the Author:

Megan Hess was destined to draw. An initial career in graphic design evolved into art direction for some of the world’s leading design agencies. In 2008, Hess illustrated the New York Times number-one selling book Sex and the City, written by Candace Bushnell. She has since illustrated for Dior Couture, created iconic illustrations for Cartier and Louis Vuitton in Paris, dreamed up animations for Prada and Fendi in Milan, illustrated the windows of Bergdorf Goodman in New York, and created a capsule collection of bags for Harrods of London.

Hess’s signature style can also be found on her bespoke, limited-edition prints and homewares sold around the globe. Her renowned clients include Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Tiffany & Co., Saint Laurent, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Harrods, Cartier, Balmain, Louis Vuitton and Prada.

Megan is the author of five bestselling fashion books and a picture book for children. She is the Global Artist in Residence for the Oetker Masterpiece Hotel Collection.

Hess’s book literally paints a picture of the woman who forever changed the way women dress. —The Australian

Coco Chanel: The Illustrated World of a Fashion Icon is a beautifully presented biography of the designer —Books + Publishing National

Style lovers, unite! This amazing guided tour of Chanel’s game-changing empire is made for coffee tables —Cleo

Australian illustrator Megan Hess, whose work graces prestigious designers and brands including Chanel, Carrier and Tiffany and Co., creates a whimsical adventure through the world of Mademoiselle Chanel —PRIMOLife