The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard

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.

• “Natasha Lester dazzles in her latest novel, a riveting, multi-generational story of love, loss, and reclaiming one's own power."
  Marie Benedict, New York Times bestselling author of The Only Woman in the Room and The Mitford Affair
• “A luscious and enthralling read that follows three generations of women on their journeys of empowerment. These women fight with edgy talent and sparkling cleverness for their place in the fashion world amid backdrops of war and social strife. Natasha Lester has done it again with this dazzling story of fascinating historical detail, gorgeous writing, and strong, compelling heroines.”
  Madeline Martin, New York Times bestselling author
• "Vogue meets Daisy Jones & The Six, as three generations of women carve their mark in the world of fashion: Mizza Bricard, muse to Christian Dior in the forties; her daughter Astrid Bricard, struggling to define herself as more than a muse as American designers take Paris by storm in the tumultuous seventies; Blythe Bricard, haunted by her mother's Versailles disappearance and wanting nothing to do with the family legacy. THE DISAPPEARANCE OF ASTRID BRICARD stitches splashy fashion-world fun together with incisive observations about women's roles as muse and inspiration—and what price they pay when they dare to create for themselves rather than merely inspire the men around them. Natasha Lester's most compelling novel yet!"
  Kate Quinn, New York Times bestselling author
• “The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is an immersive triumph—as sparkly as a silver Lurex mini-dress, as cool as Mick and Bianca, and as atmospheric as a Seventies disco. Steamy love affairs, to-die-for clothes, and ballsy women make for a heady must-read.”
  Gill Paul, USA Today bestselling author of The Manhattan Girls
• “This book is brave, bold, and beautiful, like the three women who narrate it. Natasha Lester’s sentences blaze off the page, and I couldn’t stop reading.  Full of heart and fierce social critique, The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard is an inspiring story of female vision and grit in the face of insurmountable odds. I absolutely loved it.”
  Kerri Maher, author of The Paris Bookseller
• "No one does glamour, intrigue, and fashion the way Natasha Lester does. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard depicts a family of talented women with skills and dreams ahead of their time, deserving of all the accolades but struggling to achieve them in a male-dominated fashion industry. At times gripping and others moving, readers will find themselves turning pages as fast as they can. I know I did!"
  Heather Webb, USA Today bestselling author of Strangers in the Night
• “What an all-encompassing novel! I was blown away. Part mystery, part romance, Natasha Lester delivers a full-on page turner. This author dazzles us by weaving fact and fiction in a propulsive, multifaceted, multigenerational ode to fashion, feminism and love stories that will both break your heart and leave you hopeful. The Disappearance of Astrid Bricard belongs at the very top of your To-Be-Read pile.”
  Renee Rosen, USA Today bestselling author of Fifth Avenue Glamour Girl
• “Themes of family, power, resilience, and finding a way back to love will resonate with readers.”
  Booklist
• "Lester deftly delivers a scathing critique of the lies that are told to keep women in their place."
  Kirkus
• “A deft, stylish writer, Lester is able to trace the tumultuous highs and lows of her characters in a way that is as graceful as it is informative. Each of them are completely fleshed out and defined by their settings, making this story instantly immersive and atmospheric.”
  Book Reporter