Must See: Coco Avant Chanel

 I love watching fashion films, The September Issue and Valentino: The Last Emperor are among my faves. Last night I was craving a good flick; you know the kind that a girl can live fabulously, vicariously through while enjoying some red wine and a bowl of cherries? So I picked up Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel) starring Audrey Tatou who strikingly resembles the real Coco. I tend toward movies without subtitles (since I usually like doing other things whilst I watch i.e. writing on Holiday Honey, shopping online, or perusing the likes of my favorite websites) but I decided to put all of my attention on the story of the iconic, pre-mega-brand Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel (turns out Coco was just a nickname) for 110 full minutes. And girl, am I glad I did. I adored listening to the beautiful French vernacular, and Audrey Tatou's tenacity and spunk completely broke any language barrier; Coco's reputed intensity was conveyed endearingly via some memorable one liners and an ever contemplative gaze that Tatou replicated with perfection. Who knew that Coco Chanel grew up a poor orphan, was once a singer, lost in love, all the while working toward her goal of changing standards for how women had to dress? I had no idea how influential this powerhouse truly was and how greatly her influence has affected what we women young and old wear each and every day ~ whether haute couture or H&M. If you're a woman, a fashion lover, a go getter, or an eternal optimist, then I'd suggest picking up this film ASAP.