Book excerpt: A gorgeously illustrated exploration of the history, culture, and design process of the famed fashion house Chanel Chanel: The Making of a Collection traces the design process of the world-renowned fashion house, revealing how a collection is created. Moving from the studio to the fashion show, fashion writer Laetitia Cénac has unprecedented access to explore a world that is usually carefully guarded from the public eye. With hundreds of beautifully rendered fashion illustrations from acclaimed artist Jean-Philippe Delhomme, Karl Lagerfeld's approach to design is brought to life, as are the talents of the masterfully skilled artisans--the embroiderers, flower makers, shoemakers, hat makers, and more--who specialize in everything from buttons and leather to lace, silk, and cashmere. Delving into the history and culture of the brand, while also detailing contemporary collections, Chanel: The Making of a Collection is a richly visual insider's look at the enduring creative legacy of this haute couture icon.