Sunday, August 16, 2009

Coco Chanel on the big screen



The big screen biopic, Coco before Chanel, charts the style pioneer's rise from impoverished abandoned child to the toast of Paris.
The film stars Audrey Tautou as the young Chanel, sewing for a tailor by day, singing cabaret by night and working to build a better life for herself while finding her unique look and falling in love.
Chanel's story is a fascinating one, bursting with glamour and tragedy in equal measures.
One of the challenges was that much of the film is set in the years when Chanel had little money and her wardrobe would have been a far cry from the suits and pearls, we think of as her style.
From the black quilted handbag with the famous chain strap, the little black dress, and her very elegant suits.
I have heard that the stripy Breton top with palazzo pants is shown as being inspired by a trip to the beach, where a group of fisherman were wearing the blue and white banded top.
Something like the stripy shirt would never have been worn by society. So I imagined that she might have come across some sailors and interpreted their look in her own way.

My daughter went to see the movie and loved it although she said that it was very sad in her early years.
I am eagerly awaiting going to see this because I love anything Chanel and I think that anyone with even a passing interest in fashion would like to see this.
Chanel really went from a rags to riches and always was ahead of her time and how revolutionay her style was at the turn of the century.

Wonder if you have seen this movie, or been to any other movies recently?

Wishing you a happy weekend.
Hugs
Carolyn

34 comments:

  1. Bon jour Carolyn!
    I read about this movie recently but didn't know it was out yet. I really want to see it. I'm supposed to see Julie & Julie next weekend. Every review has raved about Meryl Streep, and I love biographies. Tonight I just finished watching From Here to Eternity, the 1953 classic with Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr. I wound up crying during the scenes when Maggio played by Frank Sinatra dies. For some reason, I cry so much more at movies now than I every did before. We have a channel here call TCM for Turner Classic Movies and they play all the good oldies from 1920's up to the '60 mostly. I love the old black and white films. What kind of movies do you prefer?

    Have a great weekend and warm thoughts for your dad.
    Hugs,
    Sharon :-)

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  2. Hi Sharon,

    I love all the old movies, that you often need to have a hanky at the ready. Yes, the old black and white movies are great and they really did seem like the actors were real movie stars.
    I read on someone else blog, that they had been to the Julie & Julie movie and loved it.
    I do like Comedy sometimes as I think it is good to have a laugh.
    thanks so much for visiting and your kind words for my Dad.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  3. I could barely afford the perfume back in the day never mind a piece of clothing.

    xoxo

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  4. NO I haven't yet had the opportunity to see it but will when I can since I love Chanel's clothes, bags, style everything! She was in my view perhaps one of the first fashionistas - who suceeded despite all the many challenges she faced.

    Hope you have great week ahead!

    xxxLOL LOLA:)
    PSthanks for all the lovely comments!

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  5. It has been YEARS since I've gone to the movies. We do the Netflix thing. I'll have to put this one on the list along with Julie and Julia which I too heard was great!

    There was a Lifetime movie of Coco with Shirley McLaine that I saw I think it was last year.

    I used to watch all those old B&W's years ago on TV but don't get a chance too much anymore. I prefer the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movie, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope and Dorothy Lamour etc . . . Abbot & Costello, Cosmo Topper, Cary Grant etc etc etc . . .

    Hugs, Marsha

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  6. Hi Renee,

    I know what you are saying ~ thanks for visiting.
    Thinking of you and prayers for you, Jackie and Sheldon.

    Lovely to have a visit from you Lola and Nora.
    Yes, she was one of the first real Fashionistas.

    Hi Marsha,

    We do not really watch many movies but when we do go out to see one, we go to the Gold room. This theatre is comfortable with only about 30 people and you get to sit in comfortable lazyboy chairs.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  7. Hi Carolyn,
    I've been to see Harry Potter recently. I do not go often to the movie, but this is something I always love to see on the BIG SCREEN!
    Love Chanel, too! One of my favourite perfumes to wear, hubby gave me at Christmas, is Coco Chanel...
    Hugs,
    Monicax.

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  8. Hi Monica,

    My family and I are wanting to go and see the Harry Potter movie. Maybe next weekend.
    My husband has given me Chanel perfume too. I always loved and wore No 5 but then I discovered Coco and Mademoiselle, so now love them all.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  9. I saw the TV movie this past year. It was awesome! I have some Coco Mademoiselle and Chance! I would love to have some clothes and a classic handbag. It's the best tailored clothing on the planet. I have been appalled at the Escada "knock-off" of the tweed jackets I've seen costing 1500 dollars without even a lining or a REAL pocket...not on Chanel...no, it is very nice stuff and worth EVERY penny if you have it. :)

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  10. Oh, I am also anxiously awaiting this movie!! It looks wonderful.

    Thank you so much for your visit and for your sweet comment! And thank you for leading me here! Such a delightful blog, I know I shall return often. Your bears are simply enchanting!

    You are most welcome at our place anytime!!

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  11. Hi TattingChic,

    My husband gave me a black jacket for my 40th and it is just so beautiful, came in a big black box and looks so lovely and so well made.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  12. Thank you so much Pamela and Edward.
    It was great to discover your lovely blog and I look forward to a return visit.
    Edward is a cute dog.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  13. Yes this would be an interesting if sad, movie. Let us know what you think, I will try and catch it too.
    xoxo

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  14. Yes, this has been well up on my must-see movie list for a while now Carolyn, so your post has added impetus to see it before it heads off to DVD land.
    Millie ^_^

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  15. Thank you for visiting DJ and Millie.
    I will let you know, the Harry Potter or CC are both ones my family want to see. Father and son will be more for the Harry Potter, so I may have to go with a girlfriend or daughter may want to go again.

    hugs
    Carolyn

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  16. oh Coco is one of my favorites!!! What a wonderful life she had....

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  17. Thank you for visiting, Diana.
    She must have had a wonderful life.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  18. i can't wait to see the movie! i just read that it is being released in the U.S. at the end of September, so a bit of a wait for me!
    xox
    www.froufroufashionista.blogspot.com

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  19. I can now see more clearly how you and I are quite alike! I have followed the life of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, through many readings! And am a fan of her's on Facebook! I would love to go see this movie! Although I doubt it is showing over here where I am...I haven't heard of it yet!!!

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  20. Many thanks for visiting Mademoiselle
    Frou Frou.
    It was lovely to discover your beautiful blog.

    Hi Charity,

    We must be alike then and how neat that you are a fan of hers on face book.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  21. Thank you so much for coming by my little blog!! This movie sounds like a great one to see!!

    Yes I love those David Austin roses! I don't think you could ever have too many- though my hubby thinks I am crazy to tear out perfectly good hedges and replace it with a rose bush!!

    blessings
    mary

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  22. Was lovely to have you come and visit me Mary, many thanks.
    I just love my pale pink David Austin roses and they just keep flowering.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  23. I can't wait to see this flick! You've just whet my appetite!

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  24. Sounds like a good movie. I will definitely have to see it! Happy Belated Pink Saturday!

    Judy

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  25. Thank you for visiting, Antiques Diva.

    hi Judy,

    My daughter loved the movie and yes, it will be good to see.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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  26. I loved this movie, too, however, I also thought it was so sad sometimes...
    life is not always about happiness, is it? :)
    thank you for your sweet comments, darling Carolyn, they make my day!
    have a lovely week, xoxo

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  27. Hi Carolyn
    This movie was lovely. I went to see it with my hubby and daughter. Audrey tattou is beautifully understated as Chanel.
    It really is magnifcent. Sad yes but so worth seeing. I have a new found love for chanel.
    Enjoy it!
    x Suzi

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  28. Hello Carolyn.
    This is the first time I've heard of the movie! Sometimes, with the latest movies, we in South Africa are left out of the loop. But I would absolutely love to see it. When you have been, please, please give a review.

    Love
    Pat xx

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  29. Sounds great Carolyn! Thank you. I've read many books about Gabrielle Coco Chanel, so thank you for the movie tip!

    I'm looking forward to Julie and Julia! I LOVE the book My life in France, have you read it?
    Have a great day.
    xox
    Constance

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  30. Oh how neat! I will see this one for sure.

    Thanks for the kind words on our garage floor Carolyn. I always appreciate your visits. :)

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  31. I haven't heard about this movie but it sounds fascinating. I never knew that Chanel started poor and worked her way to the glamorous name we know today. I look forward to seeing this movie:).

    Blessings,

    Kim

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  32. mm i haven't seen this one yet, but i plan to! i really really want to see it :) i watched harry potter and the half blood prince (and who didn't, really :)) i was a big harry potter fan when i was younger), and elizabethtown, again :) i love elizabethtown, it's wonderful! oh and thank you again for your comment! ♥

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  33. Hi Carolyn, This is one I really would love to see. Recently I saw The Proposal. It has been out awhile already and really good.
    I want to see Julia and Julie too.

    Hope you have a good week. Thank you for the kind anniversary wishes. We are on a staycation this week finishing odd jobs around the house. See you when I get back in the studio.

    Hugs, Celestina Marie

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  34. Hi Susan,

    thank you so much for your comments.
    It makes my day to hear from my lovely friends.

    Looking forward to it Suzi and glad that you got to see it with your husband and daughter.

    I will Pat, when I go and see it.
    I hope it gets over to your place, so you can see it.

    Hi Constance,

    No I have not read the book and I am wondering is this Julia Childs?
    We loved watching her cooking show, which screened on our TV a while back and there was also Fanny Craddock. Both of these Ladies were such a laugh and fun to watch.

    Hi Melissa,

    I always love your visit too and I am glad that I found your blog.
    I was so impressed with what your husband did with the garage floor.

    Hi Kim,

    Yes, she was brought up in and orphanage and her life really did go from rags to riches.

    Hi Eliza,

    My family and I want to go and see the Harry Potter movie too.
    We have seen all the others and have read the books. They are good aren't they.

    Hi Celestina Marie,

    Many thanks for your kind visit.
    Always so great to hear from you.
    I love that you are on a staycation (that is neat) and good luck with getting all the jobs done and look forward to when you return.

    Hugs
    Carolyn

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Thank you so much for visiting Draffin Bears.
It always makes me happy to read your comments
and I look forward to visiting you.


Carolyn xx