Paris Between the Wars: Couture and Surrealism in the Novels of Jeanne Mackin

Art In Fiction

08-12-2020 • 30 mins

Welcome to EPISODE 20  of the Art In Fiction Podcast.


Paris between the wars is the exciting setting for Jeanne Mackin's novels The Last Collection and The Beautiful American.

In this episode, find out about wacky surrealist lobsters, why pencils and paper were not allowed at fashion shows, and a lot more!

Highlights:

  • The Beautiful American and the art and life of photographer Lee Miller, famed surrealist Man Ray, and the indomitable Picasso
  • Fact and fiction in The Beautiful American
  • How Mackin structured The Beautiful American
  • Surrealism, violence, lobsters, and more
  • The surprising role played by Picasso in The Beautiful American
  • The Last Collection and the world of haute couture in 1930s Paris
  • The rivalry between Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli--yes, they hated each other in real life and in the novel!
  • Fact and fiction in The Last Collection
  • Common themes in Jeanne Mackin's novels
  • Can the creative spirit save the world?
  • Advice for authors

Press Play right now and be sure to check out The Beautiful American listed in the Photography category and The Last Collection listed in the Textile Arts category on Art In Fiction.

Jeanne Mackin's website: https://www.jeannemackin.com/

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Music Credits

The intro music is from Symbolist Waltz from the album Alive in Seattle and the ad music is from The Feverfrom the album Full Moon. Both pieces are composed by Gregg Simpsonand performed by Lunar Adventures. Follow the links to download the full tracks.

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