Coco Before Chanel

Movie / Show Details

Directed by Anne Fontaine, this 2009 French biographical drama follows Gabrielle Chanel’s journey from orphanage to fashion icon. After her mother’s death, young Gabrielle and her sister are left at an orphanage where they learn to sew, later becoming cabaret singers. When her sister runs away with a wealthy man, Gabrielle-now known as Coco-meets gentleman farmer Étienne Balsan and begins designing clothes for his social circle. Her life changes further when British investor Arthur “Boy” Capel enters the picture, providing her the means to open her own studio in Paris. Audrey Tautou delivers a fierce performance as the determined young woman who would revolutionize fashion through her belief that style need not be complicated or uncomfortable.

Sony Pictures Classics released this PG-13 rated drama on a single DVD disc with a runtime of 105 minutes. The film features Alessandro Nivola, Benoît Poelvoorde, and Emmanuelle Devos alongside Tautou. Owning this used copy lets you experience the early life of fashion’s most influential designer without the new price tag.