Last night I watched Coco avant Chanel, a documentary about the early life of Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel before she became a fashion icon. It begins when she was orphened at age 8 in the 1890s and works through the early 50s. I was interested in the film, but I must say there was a lot that suprised me. Chanel is seen as the forefront of prim and proper ladies fashion, but the creator was a scoundrel. She got by through taking advantage of the kindness of wealthy older gentlemen in France, living with them in their chateaus in exchange for sexual favors, was a cross dresser (at a time where it was unheard of for women to wear pants), who carried on an affair with a married man for years…. not exactly a name that I would be proud to wear on my shirt collar. I am definately having second thoughts about investing in some classic fashion… The one good thing about the film? GORGEOUS fashion from the post victorian era, a lot of inspiration to be had! Feathers and flowing gowns, for the win! also, the actor who played the englishman she had an affair with was pretty damn sexy (Alessandro Nivola). I think it was the first time I’ve been attracted to a man with a mustache since Gomez Addams when I was 13, lol! 22 months ago