The New National Museum of Monaco (NMNM) and the Princess Grace Theatre have joined forces to offer the public a unique cultural experience: a lecture and reading titled “Gabrielle Chanel through Literature.” This special event, scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, at 7 PM at the Princess Grace Theatre, is an ideal opportunity to discover the extraordinary fashion designer from a completely new perspective.
The lecture will be led by Laurence Delamare, a renowned expert whose career is deeply intertwined with the fashion and cultural legacy of the House of Chanel.
Life through the words of greats
This literary evening is part of the accompanying program for the exhibition “Coco Chanel: The Roaring Twenties,” which is on display at Villa Paloma until October 5. Instead of a classic overview of her fashion creations, the lecture will focus on the literary connections that shaped Gabrielle Chanel’s life and work. The audience will have the unique opportunity to hear excerpts from the works of authors who inspired her, collaborated with her, or were part of her intimate circle, such as Jean Cocteau, Colette, and F. Scott Fitzgerald.
These texts not only shed new light on her personality and creative genius but also testify to the rich cultural milieu in which she moved. Through the words of these greats, we can gain a deeper understanding of her vision and her lasting influence on fashion, as well as on art in general.
Who is Laurence Delamare?
Laurence Delamare is not just a lecturer but also a guardian of the literary heritage of the House of Chanel. Her professional biography is an impressive blend of fashion and publishing. She began her career in Paris at the fashion house Yohji Yamamoto and joined Chanel in 2004, where she spent years leading public relations and working closely with the legendary Karl Lagerfeld and Virginie Viard.
After Lagerfeld’s death, Delamare took over the management of his historic bookstore, 7L, in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, transforming it into a dynamic hub for cultural exchange. There, she successfully merged publishing, fashion, and visual arts into a single, cohesive narrative. As of 2025, she serves as the Director of Literary Relations at Chanel Mode, where she continues to build bridges between the world of haute couture and culture.
Through this event, Monaco not only pays tribute to Gabrielle Chanel’s artistic and literary heritage but also solidifies its position as a key international meeting point for art and fashion.
Admission to the lecture is free.
