'Coco Before Chanel'

I finally saw the movie 'Coco Before Chanel' this past weekend, starring the lovely Audrey Tatou. I think it would be impossible to dislike a movie she is in because she is so beautiful and interesting to watch. But besides her beauty, she is also a fabulous actress, always immersed in her character.

This movie tells the story of Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel, the fashion icon and designer who built the House of Chanel from the ground up. I knew a l little bit about her life before the movie...how she designed clothes for women based on her own comfort and style. But this movie was so interesting, going to great length to show how her personal life experiences influenced her designs. Her amazing gift as a seamstress allowed her to tailor or adjust any outfit at the drop of a hat, which she often did. What I find truly amazing is the irony that she began doing this because she was poor and not able to afford to buy clothes, and yet her fashion "House" is one of the most expensive lines now.

When you think of Chanel, you think suits, little woven jackets, pearls and hats (She began by designing hats for the theater). But her own personal style really included more of a menswear element...slacks, men's shirts and ties. It was only after the love of her life died suddenly in a tragic car crash that she began designing a full clothes line, and they became more feminine.

The movie is well-worth watching, not only for the fascinating story of her life, but also for the beautiful clothes.