The artistic, cosmopolitan and opulent world of the café society seems so far fetched in today's orb filled celebutantes, hip hop designers and the ever presence of reality t.v. personalities. Thierry Coudert author of Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960 (FLAMMARION) brings light to the bygone world of heirs, muses, designers, royalty, writers, entrepreneurs, socialites and the intricate inner working of the decadent world.

Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960
by Thierry Coudert
FLAMMARION

Café society and it's constituents were major figures in the international social, literary, art and political scenes for much of the 20th century - Coudert weaves the true life story of charisma, glamour, and debauchery that reigned supreme.  With intimate access to rare photos  the tome is filled with exquisite portraits tracing the history of this sect. 

A party given by the Baron and Baronne de Cabrol. From the scrapbook of the Baron de Cabrol. © Daisy de Cabrol from Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960 by Thierry Coudert (Paris: Flammarion, 2010).

The Lido, Venice. From the scrapbook of the Baron de Cabrol, 1950. © Daisy de Cabrol from Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960 by Thierry Coudert (Paris: Flammarion, 2010).

Aristocracy, eccentric behavior  and perennially indulgent are but a few attributes the  types whose exploits would generate endless fodder for the sensationalist press and their inner circle.  

A party given by the Baron and Baronne de Cabrol. From the scrapbook of the Baron de Cabrol. © Daisy de Cabrol from Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960 by Thierry Coudert (Paris: Flammarion, 2010).




The definitive book on the legendary group, with many never-before-seen images and reminiscences by his closest friends and confidants.   

A dinner given by the Baron and Baronne de Cabrol. From the scrapbook of the Baron de Cabrol. 
© Daisy de Cabrol from Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960 by Thierry Coudert (Paris: Flammarion, 2010).

From the 1920s to the 60s, the ever fabulous (or infamous depending on who you ask) Café Society created  is own hedonistic subculture--aristocratic, sexually ambiguous, and theatrical.

The Duchess of Windsor and Daisy de Cabrol. From the scrapbook of the Baron de Cabrol. 
© Daisy de Cabrol from Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960 by Thierry Coudert (Paris: Flammarion, 2010).

From yatches, villas, dazzling jewels and haute couture there wasn't an extravagance these men and women didn't indulge in. Being fabulous was made into an art form.

From the scrapbook of the Baron de Cabrol, 1957. 
© Daisy de Cabrol from Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960 by Thierry Coudert (Paris: Flammarion, 2010).

A reception given by the Baron and Baronne de Cabrol. From the scrapbook of the Baron de Cabrol. © Daisy de Cabrol from Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960 by Thierry Coudert (Paris: Flammarion, 2010).

Coudert deftly wove together the narrative threads of the lives of the wealthy to create an engrossing account of a fascinating group of people. 

Café Society: Socialites, Patrons, and Artists 1920 to 1960
by Thierry Coudert
FLAMMARION


available  RIZZOLI NEW YORK