He and others knew what the signing of the pact meant.Ī Jean Cocteau illustration of a Chanel evening gown 1938.Ĭhurchill was staying at the luxurious Château de l’Horizon during the winter 1938-39-not painting as he often did on the Riviera as the light was not good, instead worked on the proofs of his book. Sketch by Eric for Vogue 1939.Īugust 1939, Picasso painted, Night Fishing at Antibes, saying: “I have not painted the war…but I have no doubt the war is in these paintings I have done.” This particular painting is described by some as depicting the end of an era. Tricolour evening gown–one of the last evening dresses presented by Chanel before the declaration of war. She continued to live in Paris at the Ritz despite Paris being deserted. Chanel heard about the pact signing and prepared to leave Roquebrune for Paris to work on her next collection. With the signing of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact on August 23 1939, war was viewed as being for certain-Churchill flew home from the Riviera immediately. He sent a telegram to Hitler pleading for peace: “I address to you my entirely personal simple though earnest appeal for your utmost influence toward the peaceful solution of the present problem.” In response, three days later, Hitler wrote back: “My attitude towards England remains the same.” It would not be the drôle de guerre as some thought. Sketch by Bouché of Chanel gypsy dresses for Vogue 1938.Īs late as September 1 when told the Germans had invaded Poland, the Duke of Windsor did not believe it would happen, saying: “Oh, just another sensational report.” At the time, the Windsors were residing at Château de La Croë. Dali met Massine at La Pausa while Madamoiselle was in the midst of working on her 1939 spring collection. Salvador Dali designed the ballet and had asked Chanel to design the costumes. Ballet Russe de Monte Carlo was Massine’s ballet company. She had completed her spring collection and the costumes for Baccnanale. Fashion illustrations pinned to the wall.Īll the fashionables were on the Riviera that summer-Chanel was at her villa, La Pausa. An atmosphere of gaiety prevailed, all in an attempt to hold off the turmoil approaching, and that which was already around them-many on the Riviera not believing war was imminent.Ĭhanel in her apartment at the Ritz Hotel 1937. It brought out the fun the Riviera was known for: fireworks, balls, open-air concerts, follies, theatres, constant partying and looking forward to the first Cannes Film Festival on September 1. It was to be the last peacetime summer-that of 1939. The House of Chanel was empty two hours after war was declared.” Everyone in my place had someone who was in uniform-a husband, a brother, a father.