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
