In this first of two parts, we examine the lives, public and private, of Coco Chanel in the wake of the France's fall in WW2. Though all had to make due with the new conditions, Coco fared better than others in this new life. 

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This series is hosted by Mary Kay McBrayer. Check out more of her work at www.marykaymcbrayer.com.

This episode was written by Mary Kay McBrayer

Developed by Scott Waxman, Emma DeMuth, and Jacob Bronstein

Associate Producer is Leo Culp
Produced by Antonio Enriquez
Theme Music by Tyler Cash
Executive Produced by Scott Waxman and Emma DeMuth

Special thanks to:
Carter, Stephen L.. Invisible. Henry Holt and Co.. Kindle Edition. 

Pre-order Mary Kay's forthcoming true crime book 'Madame Queen: The The Life and Crimes of Harlem’s Underground Racketeer, Stephanie St. Clair' here

Check out more on 'Devil's Rooming House' by Hal Vaughn at Penguin Random House

SOURCES 

• Albanesi, Melanie. “Coco Chanel: Fashion Designer, Nazi Informant.” PBS. January 3, 2022.
• Pinnock, Olivia. “Do Coco Chanel’s Nazi Connections Matter For Fashion Today?” Forbes.
• James, Caryn. “The truth about Coco Chanel and the Nazis.” BBC. 2024.
• Mazzeo, Tilar J. The Secret of Chanel No. 5. Harper. Nov 9, 2010.
• McAuley, James. “The Exchange: Coco Chanel and the Nazi Party.” The New Yorker. August 31, 2011.
• Vaughan, Hal. Sleeping with the Enemy: Coco Chanel's Secret War. Vintage. 2011.
• Wars of Coco Chanel documentary.
• Becoming Chanel documentary.
• Thomas, Dana. “The Power Behind the Cologne.” The New York Times Magazine. Feb 24, 2002.
• Villani, Anna. “WHO OWNS CHANEL? The Wertheimer family. But, who are they?” The Vintage Bar. Jan 7, 2021.