If you are a fan of the timeless fashion icon, Coco Chanel, you may have come across the 2009 biographical film “Coco Before Chanel.” This movie portrays the early life of Gabrielle Chanel, who later became famous as Coco Chanel. But the question that often arises is whether this movie is based on a true story or not.
Let’s delve deeper into the history behind “Coco Before Chanel” and find out if it accurately reflects Gabrielle Chanel’s life.
The Plot
“Coco Before Chanel” depicts the early life of Gabrielle (played by Audrey Tautou), a girl who grows up in an orphanage. She eventually becomes a seamstress and begins designing hats, which catches the attention of wealthy socialites.
Gabrielle then meets Étienne Balsan (played by Benoît Poelvoorde), who introduces her to high society and becomes her lover. However, she falls in love with Arthur Capel (played by Alessandro Nivola), an English businessman who supports her financially to start her own hat business.
The Accuracy
While the film takes some creative liberties with Gabrielle’s personal relationships, it does accurately reflect her rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential fashion designers of all time.
Gabrielle was indeed raised in an orphanage and started out as a seamstress. She began designing hats after being noticed by Étienne Balsan, a wealthy polo player and investor. However, while the movie portrays Étienne as Gabrielle’s lover, he was actually just one of her many benefactors.
Arthur Capel was also a real person and played an instrumental role in Coco’s success. He helped finance her first boutique in Deauville and even introduced her to his wealthy friends. Sadly though, Capel died tragically in a car accident at a young age.
The Legacy
Gabrielle Chanel’s impact on the fashion industry is undeniable. She revolutionized women’s clothing by introducing comfortable, practical garments that were previously considered masculine, such as pants and blazers. She also popularized the little black dress and designed the iconic Chanel suit.
But Coco Chanel’s legacy goes beyond just fashion. She was a trailblazer for women in a male-dominated industry, paving the way for future female designers. Her legacy continues to inspire designers today, and her brand remains one of the most renowned in the world.
Conclusion
In summary, while “Coco Before Chanel” takes some creative liberties with Gabrielle’s personal life, it accurately reflects her rise from humble beginnings to becoming one of the most influential fashion designers of all time. Gabrielle Chanel’s impact on fashion and women’s empowerment cannot be overstated, making her story worth remembering and retelling.
If you haven’t seen “Coco Before Chanel” yet, it is a great way to learn more about this iconic figure and her journey to success.