CHANEL, L'INSOUMISE

Synopsis

How a woman, born at the end of the 20th century to a poor family, became a legendary figure of French luxury. We look back at the life and career of Gabrielle Chanel, who began as a simple milliner and turned her name into an iconic fashion brand.

Whether you read Vogue or not, whether you care or not about the latest trends, the best fashion documentaries are always a fascinating look into the artists that change the ways people dress and feel, and Gabrielle Chanel, the most prominent designer post WWI, was undoubtedly much more than a fashion designer. Promoting ​​casual and comfortable, yet chic clothing as an alternative to corseted silhouettes, “The frills, fuss, and constraints endured by earlier generations of women were now passé; under her influence—gone were the ‘aigrettes’, long hair, hobble skirts” wrote Harper’s Bazar in 1915. This French documentary by Éric Bitoun takes an interesting look at how a girl from a modest background became the epitome of French luxury. Some viewers might be disappointed though that the film voluntarily eludes the controversial role Coco Chanel played during WWII and the nazi occupation of France. But it is clear that for this documentary, Éric Bitoun wanted to make a film about an artist ahead of her time and her craft.

Director: Éric Bitoun (France 2020)

In French with English subtitles

Premier French Language Television

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