Chanel Après Coco

Photographed By Ellinor Forje

The other day, after receiving an invitation to the semi annual Chanel Joaillerie show at 18 Place Vendôme in Paris, I was reminded, rather abruptly, of life’s more unyielding truths. Owing to scheduling conflicts and lingering variant woes, I would be nowhere near la capitale de la France during this season’s haute couture week.

No sooner had that realization settled than it gave way to a gentler consolation, I had yet to watch "Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky." And so, naturally, I did what any reasonable person in my position might do. Watch the film?

Hardly.

Instead, I drowned my disappointment in a fresh lacquer. Coco Chanel, all the way.

Besides, I’ve already seen Coco Before Chanel" (2009), starring Audrey Tautou and Benoît Poelvoorde, among others. It’s a finely crafted drama that traces a life of remarkable scale, at once intimate and grand, and stands as a testament to the enduring Chanel legacy. I was particularly taken with the moment the iconic monochrome suit makes its appearance near the end.

But enough, I wouldn’t dream of spoiling it for you.