The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard

By Natasha Lester

Book Overview

New York Times bestselling author Natasha Lester delivers a brilliant blend of feminism, fashion, and history in this bold novel set against the real-life designers' showdown in Versailles in the 1970s.

French countryside, Present Day: Blythe Bricard is the daughter of famous fashion muses but that doesn't mean she wants to be one. She turned her back on that world, and her dreams, years ago. Fate, however, has a different plan, and Blythe will discover there is more to her iconic mother and grandmother than she ever knew.

New York, 1970: Designer Astrid Bricard arrives in bohemian Chelsea determined to change the fashion world forever. And she does―cast as muse to her lover, Hawk Jones. And when they're both invited to compete in the fashion event of the century―the Battle of Versailles―Astrid sacrifices everything to showcase her talent. But then, just as her career is about to take off, she mysteriously vanishes, leaving behind only a white silk dress.

Paris, 1917: Parentless sixteen year old Mizza Bricard has made a vow: to be remembered on her own terms. Her promise sustains her through turbulent decades and volatile couture houses until, finally, her name is remembered and a legend is born―one that proves impossible for Astrid and Blythe to distance themselves from.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1538706962
• ISBN13: 9781538706961
• Release Date: July 2024
• Publisher: Forever
• Length: 480 Pages
• Weight: 0.88 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.3" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

4 stars

THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD by Natasha Lester Loosely based on real life “muse”, Mizza Bricard (who worked with Christian Dior), this story has it all — a blend of history, feminism, fashion and three strong and independent FMCs. Mizza, Astrid, and Blythe Bricard are breaking glass ceilings, and fighting for their right to exist in a space that continually tries to belittle, begrudge and discredit them. Set in the late 1960s to 1970s New York, and 1940s Paris there’s a lot of glitz, glamour and behind the scenes (and seams!) drama with these characters, and within the fashion industry. This isn’t just about gender bias or gender equality, it has a lot of heart too. The major and minor characters had interesting backstories (I didn’t even roll my eyes at their love interests, ha), and I enjoyed the family drama, and mystery. While the pacing was slow in some parts, the plot made up for it. The three timeless were done well and converged seamlessly. I found myself rooting for the Bricard women, and was satisfied with how it was wrapped up in the end. Recommend if you love historical fiction, and fashion design. Rating: 4/5 ⭐️