• Chanel, Coco. (1883–1971) [Brisson, Frederick. (1912–1984)] Photograph of Coco Chanel, Signed and Inscribed to the Producer of the 'Coco' Musical, ca. 1969

Chanel, Coco. (1883–1971) [Brisson, Frederick. (1912–1984)] Photograph of Coco Chanel, Signed and Inscribed to the Producer of the 'Coco' Musical, ca. 1969

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Chanel, Coco. (1883–1971) [Brisson, Frederick. (1912–1984)]
Photograph of Coco Chanel, Signed and Inscribed to the Producer of the 'Coco' Musical, ca. 1969
Gelatin silver print

Tremendously rare glossy photograph of the French fashion designer and businesswoman, credited (with Poiret) with liberating women from the constraints of the "corseted silhouette" and popularizing the acceptance of a sportive, casual chic as the feminine standard in the post-World War I era. She is shown wearing a stylish coat at the bottom of a winding staircase, and has boldly signed and inscribed in black felt tip to Broadway producer Frederick Brisson, "Pour Freddy, avec toute mon amitie, Coco.” In fine condition, with some light scattered surface creasing. 8.1 x 10 inches (20.6 x 25.4 cm.).

Coco was a 1969 Broadway musical with a book and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and music by André Previn, inspired by the life of Coco Chanel. It starred Katharine Hepburn in her only stage musical. Although the role had initially been intended for producer Frederick Brisson's wife, Rosalind Russell, Hepburn was convinced to take the role after receiving vocal coaching and meeting Coco Chanel. After 40 previews, the Broadway production opened on December 18, 1969 at the Mark Hellinger Theatre, where it ran for 329 performances. 

An exceedingly rare example of Chanel's signature in an especially unique and interesting format. Autograph material of the important design icon is highly uncommon and signatures from Chanel are considered to be among the rarest of all major 20th century autographs, having appeared on the market only a handful of times in the past 40 years. In the past few years, two signed photographs and a short note made world headlines when they sold at auction for nearly $500k.