Coco Before Chanel (2009)

In the early years of Gabrielle Chanel, known affectionately as Coco from her childhood, the world was yet to recognize the revolutionary fashion icon she was to become. The story of Coco Before Chanel unfolds in the quiet corners of Obazine, France, where Coco and her older sister Adrienne reside in an orphanage, following the tragic loss of their mother and the abandonment by their father. The sisters endure together, stitching their life as seamstresses by day and breathing life into a cabaret in Moulins by night. It is here that Coco's innate disdain for the constraining and overly ornate fashion of the era begins to simmer. Adrienne's dreams mirror those of most young women - love, marriage, and a life cushioned by the security of a caring husband. Coco, however, carves a different path for herself. With a fiercely independent spirit and a knack for bending the truth to her advantage, she discards the notion of romantic love in favor of a secure life in Paris, performing at the renowned Alcazar. Her journey is irrevocably entwined with the wealthy stable owner Étienne Balsan, whom she meets in Moulins. Balsan offers Coco an exclusive entry into French society and the opportunity to refine her distinct design flair, particularly for her elegant straw hats. Through Balsan, Coco is introduced to two significant individuals: actress Emilienne d'Alençon, who admires Coco's unique style despite adhering to the prevailing trends, and English businessman Arthur Capel, known as Boy, who challenges Coco's views on love. As Coco's liaison with Balsan opens doors to her creative expression and her love for Capel deepens, her life takes on a new complexity. Coco Before Chanel is a vivid tapestry of Coco's formative years, her rise from an orphan to a seamstress, and finally, her transformation into a pioneering figure in fashion. Her journey is a testament to her resilience and unwavering sense of self, proving that style is not just about the clothes one wears, but an expression of one's identity.

Coco Before Chanel is a drama movie featuring Audrey Tautou.

It is possible to buy Coco Before Chanel on AMC on Demand, Amazon Video, Apple TV, DIRECTV, Google Play Movies, Vudu and YouTube.