Coco Chanel in the cinema
Coco Chanel is known as one of the most iconic French fashion designers that influenced style as we know it, especially when it comes to classic films. You might know Coco Chanel as the fashion designer but we introduce you to Coco Chanel the film wardrobe designer and consultant.
Coco Chanel went under contract as the wardrobe designer for MGM in the 1930s that brought the French high-fashion influence to the glamour of Hollywood. Coco Chanel dressed classic film stars including Jean Harlow, Marlene Dietrich, and more starting the love affair with celebrities and fashion that the Chanel brand is known for.
“Boccaccio 70” (1962)
(Photo: icon.com)
This film features a character that embodies aristocracy, Romy, who wears a collection of Chanel’s signature tweed suits with matching hats and shoes. This Italian film features actors including Federico Fellini, Vittorio De Sica, Luchino Visconti, and Mario Monicelli.
“L’Année dernière à Marienbad”/”Last Year at Marienbad” (1960)
(Photo: Last Year at Marienbad (L’Année dernière à Marienbad)
This French film features couture designs by Coco Chanel with Delphine Seyrig’s couture-only wardrobe with the infamous little black dress and long draping pearls. This wardrobe influenced Karl Lagerfeld’s Spring/Summer 2011 Chanel collection paying homage to the brilliance of Coco Chanel.
“La règle du jeu”/”The Rules of the Game” (1939)
(Photo: La règle du jeu)
This Jean Renoir classic featured Coco Chanel as the wardrobe designer giving each character a unique style: Mila Parély plays and elegant Frenchwoman dressed in English tweed suits or distinguished, long dresses and Paulette Dubost is dressed in black crepe pants playing an elegant cameraman. This film shows Chanel’s ability to depict styles for different classes.
“Quai des brumes”/”Port of Shadows” (1938)
(Photo: Quai des brumes)
This Marcel Carné film features minimalist French style that Chanel’s philosophy with a simple raincoat and beret that is the antithesis of fashion. This style choice gave Chanel the opportunity to free herself from her traditional style to cater to the character.
Have a fashion movie marathon featuring some of the greatest actors of our time and the legacy of the French fashion house.
