This Original lifetime movie, Coco Chanel, directed by Christian Duguay, portrays the extraordinary story of one of the most iconic haute couture fashion designer’s of all time, the one and only, Coco Chanel. I admit before watching this movie, my expectations were not the highest, being as it is an original lifetime movie, made for TV. But, I must say, the incredible story of Chanel’s journey to the top of the fashion world got the best of me as it couldn’t keep me away for long. At the end of the 3 hour-long movie, I’m glad it didnt.
Seen here, Shirley MacLain as Coco Chanel
The movie opens up with an aging Chanel, played by Shirley MacLaine, who seems to have lost her French accent entirely. Set in the mid 50’s, in Paris, the press crushes the runway show, which she had just orchestrated, claiming her designs are too old fashioned. After her dramatic yet weirdly calm reaction towards all this, we are then taken back, with a set of black and white flashbacks, into Coco’s, or should I say Gabrielle’s childhood, portrayed by the lovely Czech actress, Barbora Bobulova. Chanel is now about 12 years old who is left all alone with her younger sister, after her mother dies of a high fever. Not long afterwards, her father leaves them both on the steps of a convent, vanishes and never to return. The movie focuses a short period on her tough childhood, before turning its attention to her, now 18, getting set free from the convent her father left her in. Leaving her younger sister behind, Gabrielle gets a job as a seamstress at a dressmaking shop. She meets and falls in love with handsome rogue Lt. Etienne Balsan, played by Sagamore Stevenin, and decides to go and live with him in his glamorous castle-like residence. After she realizes that he might not be the one after all, she starts her own millinery business. Right when money is running out, Etienne’s best friend, businessman Boy Capel, played by Olivier Sitruk, shows up just in the nick of time and offers to help her with her business. She agrees and they soon fall madly in love. He provided the financing for Chanel to open a hat boutique in Beauritz. Having her cousin, Audrienne, and her lover, Capel, by her side, her hat making business becomes a triumph among the rich and famous of Parisian society. Unsatisfied, she then decided to expand her business to a hat and clothing shop, this time in Deauville. It was Chanel who introduced the world to numerous fashion trends that were unheard of and unthinkable at that time. Like one of her famous sayings, “ in order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different”, Chanel’s designs were simple, practical and unique. She introduced women to stretch jerseys, cashmere cardigans and chic blouses. Just when everything seemed to be splendid, Capel had to be so reckless enough that he died during a car accident. Chanel is seen utterly and completely devastated and the next scenes are then dedicated to her grieving period over the tragic death of the love of her life. Which leads me to my theory that the reason Chanel lived to be rather harsh and strict throughout her later years, was because of the cruel injustice that life had bestowed upon her. The endurable longing she still kept hidden for Capel. Nevertheless, she still kept on going, her successes never affected by her private life. From her struggles, she became even more focused and successful than ever. I’m not the only one who possesses this belief.
"In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different. "
- COCO CHANEL
Many people including aspiring designers should be greatly inspired by this women’s long and hard journey to the top of the fashion world. One of which is a fellow blogger, of manandboys fashion blog, Surya Bhuana. After watching this movie, he agrees that the elements of hard work and determination are all there, clear as crystal. “ I found this story to be very inspiring”, he enlightens. “Her incredible journey from rags to riches, not to mention her sheer brilliance as a young designer in those days, was a treat to watch throughout the entirety of this film”. Not only was the story a reason to watch, but also the clothes itself that were showcased throughout the film, as pointed by Fitri Maharani, also a fellow fashion blogger of kissonthelips. ”The sets are great and the fashion just fantastic. I was lost in a fictional world that exhibited Chanel’s world with such flair!” she exclaimed.
Czech actress, Barbora Bobulova, as the young Coco “Gabrielle” Chanel
Chanel working on one of her many fabulous designs
This film belongs wholly to Bobulova, as she depicts the younger Coco as stubborn, independent and gifted, while dressed fabulously throughout the film. She also adds a little bit authenticity with her heavy French accent, which MacLain didn’t even attempt to do. On the other hand, MacLaine, seen constantly with a cigarette in her hand, portrays the much more harsh and cranky old Chanel. This film mostly focuses on Chanel’s youth and her many accomplishments in the midst of so many setbacks. That’s why it wasn’t a bit of a surprise when the young women grew up into a powerhouse achiever as one of the most successful designers that she ultimately came to be. Overall, it is a movie about a young women’s relentless determination to be independent and successful while longing for faithfulness and love. Furthermore, it’s an inspirational story about a woman who endured many obstacles and who eventually overcame the odds. It’s a must see for not only fashion lovers out there, but for anyone who longs for a little inspiration in their lives.
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