New Canaan Library welcomes author Jeanne Mackin, speaking about her latest novel, The Last Collection, on Tuesday, July 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Adrian Lamb Room. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, courtesy of Elm Street Books. Please register online at newcanaanlibrary.org.
Paris 1938, and the looming threat of World War II, is the backdrop to this enthralling historical novel that swirls around the glamour and infighting of two of fashion’s biggest icons: Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli. Enter Lily Sutter, a recently widowed young American teacher, who, while visiting her brother, gets caught up in the rivalry for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France. They oppose each other at every turn, in both their politics and their designs: Chanel’s are classic, elegant, and practical; Schiaparelli’s bold, experimental, and surreal. When Lily is offered a job with Schiaparelli, she finds herself increasingly drawn into their personal war, as well as the storm clouds of war hovering over Paris.
Jeanne Mackin is the author of several historical novels, including The Beautiful American. She taught creative writing at Goddard College and has given numerous workshops. She lives with her husband in upstate New York.