September is bound to make me broke: moving to New York City, buying books for classes, watching movies (think September Issue), and probably some other expenses that I much rather forget about. A date to note is the 25th, which is when you can expect the much anticipated “Coco Before Chanel,” which stars Audrey Tautou as the designer.

Even though I’ve already seen the movie, I’ve had my interest in it rekindled lately. Someone at the lovely Mammoth Advertising office sent me the assets to the movie (stills, press kit, and trailer downloads) and I can tell you, I’ve forgotten so many of the wonderful qualities of the film. One of which being that you can see many of today’s fashion trends (this is how I recycle) just in some of the stills alone with boyfriend coat, plaid, and sequins.

In addition to the stills, the press kit was a delight to read. Although we all know that my attention span seldom passes page ten, I found myself reading the whole kit; it gave a lot of information and insight into the movie and left me with a new found respect for the making of the film in creating the character. One of the excerpts shows the slight nuances that I’m going to try to notice when I watch the film the second time around:

QUESTION:
We see Coco Chanel change as the formative years go by. How did you wish to mark this evolution of her character?

AUDREY TAUTOU:
Watching the photographs, I noticed how Chanel held her head haughtily, standing very straight, as if a string pulled her head up. It was impossible to detect her provincial origins in the elegance of her gait, or in her graceful gestures, the way she held her cigarette, for example. Her purely physical transformation is not so obvious during those years, but she acquires deportment and authority the more she grows confident in herself. It also had to show when she was seated, but it did not mean that I had to play her as authoritarian; it was more as if doubts start to disappear little by little. I also wanted to convey the sharp gaze she had from the start. Chanel was very attentive and extremely lucid. That is also the reason why she had this destiny and this creativity.

Enjoy the stills below; click to enlarge!

Audrey Tautou showing off her style before she became a designer; notice the plaid.

Fitting on her tailored clothing

Sailor influence

Dining with Boy Capel in sequins

Chatting with a socialite, see the boyfriend jacket?

Long cardigans are the fashion then and now

Barb :: Sep.01.2009 :: Fashion, Trendy Finds :: No Comments »

You might remember me being extremely excited to watch “Coco Avant Chanel,” when it came out in France in late April. I’ve seen the phrases searched that lead people to that post, and many of them include inquieries as to when “Coco Before Chanel” (English title) will appear in North America. Well the answer is here: September 25. The US trailer isn’t so bad; personally, I enjoyed the French trailer much more, but considering that the film is foreign and introducing it to the English speaking market is a task, I’d have to say it’s pretty well done. And don’t fret Canada, the movie will also be showing in Canadian cinemas, so my Toronto peers, remember to mark down your calendars too! So North America, here is your sneak peak!

That being said, you’re probably wondering my thoughts on the film. I liked it. But to enjoy it, you’ll have to have either an appreciation for Audrie Tautou or for Coco Chanel. If you’re not a big fan of either, you are bound to find the film a bit flat-lined. It is definitely not a movie with a huge plot twist or significant moments that make you lean towards the edge of your seat. It’s just an explanation with beautiful sets and costumes, and a fantastic soundtrack (it fits incredibly well with each scene and sets the mood perfectly). That being said, though, the film is wonderful in conveying Chanel’s past, and I will probably enjoy it more once I re-watch the film on DVD. Also you have to note that my aural comprehension in French isn’t the greatest…

As a side note, the Brits will also be able to see “Coco Before Chanel” in English, but will be seeing it sooner – July 25th. Their trailer, though, is abysmal. I saw this one before the American and tried to be sympathetic that putting in French scenes would make it hard for the viewer to follow, but having just scenes with music playing is difficult to keep my attention, especially for a film like this. To show you, I’ve embedded also the UK trailer.

Barb :: Jul.19.2009 :: Culture, Fashion, Trendy Finds :: No Comments »