The most personal account of the life and work of legendary designer Coco Chanel ever told. Coco Chanel's life and work have been recounted often in print and film--everything except the details of her most private self: her fondness for symbolism and poetry, the men she loved, her family, and in particular her nephew Andre Palasse, whom she raised like a son. His daughter, Gabrielle Palasse-Labrunie, enjoyed a close-knit relationship with the designer for more than forty years. Here, she opens her doors and shares personal memories of her great-aunt. Photographs of Chanel's personal effects, many of which have never before been seen or published, include presents from her great love Boy Capel, furniture, favorite jewelry, talismans, clothes, family photographs, rare documents, correspondence, and books with personal inscriptions. Palasse-Labrunie discloses all that was "important" to her great-aunt and recounts their private conversations, unveiling who her "Auntie Coco" really was.--From publisher description.