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.
Praise for The Last Collection
“A fascinating insight into a war of passion and ambition set amid
the looming threat of the Nazi invasion of Paris. With elegant,
vibrant writing, Mackin cleverly captures the infamous rivalry
between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli in a novel that
historical fiction fans will savor.”—Hazel Gaynor, New York Times
bestselling author of The Lighthouse Keeper's
Daughter
"Sophisticated couture wars and looming world wars take center
stage in Mackin’s latest, with a plot that buzzes with love
triangles and political intrigue. A gorgeous meditation on art,
fashion, and heartbreak. Stunning."—Fiona Davis, national
bestselling author of The Masterpiece
“An in-depth tale of an enchanting, dangerous and fascinating time
period in Paris. Mackin’s attention to detail and lyrical prose
bring Chanel and Schiaparelli to life in a gorgeous and riveting
manner.”—She Reads
"The designers’ obsession with besting each other makes for fun,
gossipy reading, while the tensions of prewar Paris and Lily’s
attempts to ease her grief through her art lend the narrative
satisfying emotional depth."—Library Journal
“A smart, witty, heartfelt, and riveting look at the infamous
rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli set against a
gripping period in history. Mackin’s powerful novel brings these
characters to life and transports the reader, juxtaposing both the
gaiety and tension of Paris on the brink of war. As elegant and
captivating as the designs depicted in the novel, The Last
Collection is the perfect read for both historical fiction lovers
and fashion aficionados. Simply stunning.”—Chanel Cleeton, USA
Today bestselling author of Next Year in Havana
“A skillful weave of compelling characters grappling for both
fortune and affirmation, and set against a vivid backdrop--first
the glittering cosmos of Paris fashion, then the hardships of World
War 2, and then the remains of beauty after war. Beautiful prose
and imagery enrich every page. Mackin is an insightful, engaging
storyteller.”—Susan Meissner, author of As Bright As Heaven
“A wonderful story of two intensely creative women, their vibrant
joie de vivre, and backbiting competition played out against the
increasingly ominous threat of the Nazi invasion of Paris.”—Shelley
Noble, New York Times bestselling author
of Lighthouse Beach
“A vibrant portrait of two designers cut from very different cloth,
The Last Collection pits bold Coco Chanel and colorful Elsa
Schiaparelli against each other in a fiery feud even as the ominous
clouds of World War II darken the horizon. A captivating
read!”—Stephanie Marie Thornton, author of American
Princess
"As Hitler and the Nazis gather strength and the world braces for
war, Elsa Schiaparelli and Coco Chanel, whose politics differ as
much as their couture, wage a war of their own….Jeanne Mackin takes
the reader on an enthralling journey, complete with such vivid
descriptions of the clothing, you can practically see them on the
page. Beautifully rendered and meticulously researched, The Last
Collection is a must read."—Renee Rosen, author of Park Avenue
Summer
“The Last Collection brings to center stage the fascinating life of
Elsa Schiaparelli in a story that is as elegantly constructed as
the clothes she designed. The combination of Schiap’s fierce
rivalry with Coco Chanel and the inevitable war makes for a
palpable tension, and Jeanne Mackin ultimately delivers an ending
that is beautiful, heartbreaking, and perfect in every
way.”—Michelle Gable, New York Times bestselling author of A Paris
Apartment
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