The story of the legendary Coco Chanel and 3 more honest films about the fashion industry

It is generally accepted that the concept of “fashion” officially appeared in the 17th century. Since then, much has changed in this industry: starting from the middle of the last century, they started talking about it seriously, and today it is a whole industry that affects every person in one way or another. Therefore, the Passion.ru editors share a small selection of films about fashion, legendary trendsetters, models, and work in the fashion space.

“Coco Before Chanel”

Release year: 2009

Rating: 7.4

About the film

“Coco Before Chanel” is a biographical and drama film co-produced by two countries: France and Belgium. The story, which was filmed thanks to director Anne Fontaine, tells about the life of the legendary woman Coco (Gabrielle) Chanel. The film has received many awards, including Oscar, BAFTA, and Cesar.

The famous couturier was played by the popular actress Audrey Tautou, whom many remember from the film “Amelie” and the detective story “The Da Vinci Code”. In addition, the Belgian actor, and humorist Benoit Pulvoord, also known for the comedy Asterix at the Olympic Games, also starred in the drama. The actor played the role of Etienne Balsan, the lover of the main character, who supported the future designer and directed him on his way to the fashion world.

Plot

The story begins at a time when Coco was not yet a well-known trendsetter, but an ordinary girl with a difficult fate named Gabrielle. After graduating from the orphanage, she ended up in a cabaret, where she worked as a seamstress for performers during the day and performed on the stage of the same bar at night. Gradually, new doors opened for the future celebrity, and as a result, she becomes the designer of Coco Chanel, who changed women’s fashion.

Interesting fact: Chanel received the nickname “Coco” in honor of a song from her personal repertoire in a cabaret.

“Yves Saint Laurent”

Release year: 2014

Rating: 6.2

About the film

Drama and biography about the life of the world-famous fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent was created by director Jalil Lespeur and is a joint production of France and Belgium. The main role in it was played by the French actor Pierre Nine, and very successfully – he did a great job of “getting used to” the image.

Plot

The story begins in 1958 when the young fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent was only 21 years old. Meanwhile, even then, the rising star was lucky enough to manage large fashion houses, even Dior itself. Nobody believed in the fashion designer until he surprised the public with his first collection.

Interesting fact: Yves Saint Laurent’s friend and partner Pierre Bergé was actively involved in the work on the film, and also provided 77 original outfits of the fashion designer for the filming of the 1976 show.

“Gia”

Release year: 1998

Rating: 7.9

About the film

Gia is a biopic about the life of supermodel Gia Maria Carangi, who was famous in the 70s. The psychological drama is based on stories from the personal diary of the main character, and the stories of relatives of the legendary model also entered the story. Directed by Michael Christopher, the plot covered a difficult childhood, loneliness, bisexuality, drugs, modeling, and other topics from the life of Gia.

After a long time of deliberation, actress Angelina Jolie agreed to the main role – and she performed it gorgeously. And Gia at the age of 11 was played by another famous actress Mila Kunis.

Plot

An ordinary girl working in a diner quietly dreams of becoming a model, and a few years later she is called the queen of the world podium. The story ends with the early death of a fashion industry legend due to AIDS. It happened in 1986 when Gia was only 26 years old.

Interesting fact: Angelina Jolie initially did not agree to this role, because the life of the legendary model reminded the actress of her own.

“The Devil Wears Prada”

Release year: 2006

Rating: 7.6

About the film

Directed by David Frenkel, the film is based on the novel of the same name by author Lauren Weisberger. The comedy-drama genre plays on the other side of the fashion industry, and also raises the question: of how not to lose your “I” in the pursuit of success.

The main character was played by the popular American actress Anne Hathaway. The next key role in the film belongs to one of the greatest actresses of our time, Meryl Streep. Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, and other artists also worked on the film.

Plot

An aspiring journalist from a small town dreams of working for one of New York’s biggest fashion magazines. Then she gets the position of assistant to the despotic editor-in-chief and tries to succeed in the eyes of her boss, but personal problems follow her success in her work. And who is the real devil?

Interesting fact: It is believed that the image of Miranda Priestley copies Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who is known for strict leadership.

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