Coco CHANEL refuses to be decorated with the Legion of Honor.

Gabrielle CHANEL known as Coco CHANEL (1883.1971)

Autograph letter signed to Philippe Berthelot.

One page in-8° on letterhead to his address at 29 Faubourg St Honoré. Slnd [Circa 1930]

“Ribbon is not made for good traders and ultimately, I am just that. »

Extraordinary letter from Coco Chanel refusing the Legion of Honor which was offered to her.

__________________________________

“My dear Philippe, – thank you with all my heart.

But I have to be fair, the ribbon is not made for good traders and ultimately, I am just that.

Kiss you both very affectionately. Coco. I'm leaving for Roquebrune this evening. »

__________________________________

Philippe Berthelot (1866.1934), an eminent French diplomat, was close to the artistic and literary world. He participated fervently in the promotion of the Arts and helped many personalities such as Paul Claudel, Saint-John Perse, Paul Morand, Jean Cocteau, Raymond Radiguet, Coco Chanel. At the end of the 19th century, he became friends with Victor Hugo (to whom his father, Marcellin, was close), Auguste Rodin, Gustave Flaubert, etc.

Coco Chanel moved in 1919 to the Rohan-Montbazon private mansion located at 29 rue du Faubourg St Honoré.

Coco Chanel's letters are of the greatest rarity.