Preparing for "Coco Before Chanel"

"Coco Before Chanel," the biopic on the iconic designer starring Audrey Tautou, is now in theatres across the country. So, yes, the long wait is finally over! Before viewers waltz in to see the film, possibly knowing little about the real woman herself, I thought it would be wise to revisit some of the other biographical material already available on Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel as sort of a primer before the main event. The film is sub-titled so non-French speaking viewers may already feel a bit lost during the movie. Here is my attempt to provide the foundation for an outstanding viewing of "Coco Before Chanel."

Chanel in Film

The 2008 biopic, "Coco Chanel," starring Shirley MacLaine, is a wonderful place to begin. The movie originally debuted on Lifetime in 2008 and is now available on DVD. I know that Shirley MacLaine, who played the adult Chanel, was supposed to be the undisputed star of this production, but I actually thought that Brigitte Boucher, who played the younger Chanel, was far better at portraying the real-life Chanel. Ms. Boucher's Chanel was believable, heart-felt, and undeniably strong. As for the movie itself, it was both inspirational and emotional while being true to the designer's life. The ending is particularly bittersweet when the viewer fully grasps the indelible legacy of the great Gabrielle Chanel. Yes, I had glistening tears during the Chanel retrospective.

Clocking in at just over two hours, this is a wonderful place to begin one's education on Chanel.

Chanel in Print

If you have time to read about Chanel's life before seeing the film, I would highly recommend beginning with the definitive biography on her life by Axel Madsen, "Chanel: A Woman of Her Own." Now available in paperback, this biography traces Chanel's life from birth through the height of her career to her place at the pinnacle of the world of haute couture. The biography is also sprinkled with the names of high society doyennes, world leaders, iconic musicians, and other characters who floated in and out of Chanel's life. This book truly belongs in the collection of any true fashion lover's home library, but if you have not read it yet, now is your chance.

I would also recommend reading "Chanel and Her World" by Edmonde Charles-Roux, a former editor-in-chief of French Vogue. Not available in paperback, this book is a bit more expensive (Amazon.com has it listed for $37.80) but ultimately worth reading. Charles-Roux was fortunate enough to be an intimate friend of Chanel, so the tributes and reflections are unique to this biography. If the hardback price is a bit daunting, perhaps one's local library will carry this gem of a book.

Chanel in Retrospect

The Metropolitan Museum of Art curated a collection of the couturier's work in 2005 and, fortunately for those of us who did not make the voyage to Manhattan for the viewing, a book was created to commemorate the historic event. With curators like Andrew Bolton and Harold Koda (two of my absolute idols), you know the presentation will be of immeasurable quality. With photographs of the collection and contributors like Karl Lagerfeld (!!!), the corresponding book certainly does not disappoint. If this piece is not already in your personal collection, it is available through Amazon.com's marketplace sellers and, of course, is likely to be found in your local library.

Chanel Lives

The legacy of Gabrielle Chanel is not only found in film, books, and museum collections. In fact, the contributions of Chanel are felt all around us. As one of the most significant and influential artists of the twentieth century, her life lives on and, thanks to Karl Lagerfeld, an entirely new generation of fashion and art connoisseurs have been exposed to the wonder and allure of Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel.

Chanel will always have a special place in my heart. After viewing "Coco Before Chanel," I hope this eminent designer, artist, forward-thinker, and woman will have a fond place in yours as well.