[Literature & Art] Chanel, Gabrielle "Coco." (1883 - 1971). Rare "Ghost" Signature Page. Eerie vintage double set of fountain pen signatures from the French fashion designer and founder of the Chanel brand, credited (with Poiret) with liberating women from the constraints of the "corseted silhouette" and popularizing the acceptance of a sportive, casual chic as the feminine standard in the post-World War I era. On an off-white 3.75 x 6.5 album page dated "14 Decembre" at the head, signed "Gabrielle Chanel" at the bottom and signed again vertically in the center. The vertical signature has been intentionally mirrored along the album page as it was originally housed in the hardcover album entitled “The Ghosts of My Friends,” a book of somewhat glossy pages creased down the center of each page. People would sign their names along the crease and quickly fold the paper, creating a ghostly inkblot. In fine condition with the expected bisecting fold through signature and related and intentional spreading of ink. Ca. 1920, based on the other signatures in the volume from which it was removed. Archivally matted with a photograph to 11 x 14 inches overall.



An exceedingly rare example of Chanel's full signature in an especially unique and interesting format. Autograph material of the important design icon is highly uncommon and full signatures from Chanel are considered to be among the rarest of all major 20th century autographs, having appeared on the market only a handful of times in the past 40 years. Last year, two signed photographs and a short note made world headlines when they sold at auction for nearly $500k.