Coco Chanel

I just saw two of the recent Chanel movies (Coco Before Chanel and Coco Chanel) and did some quick reading, and cannot stop myself from writing about what I newly learned of her clothing and life.

First, unlike my previous perception, the Chanel suit is meant to be a simple attire and not a fancy, scare-thy-enemy-away woman banker's overt weapon. Not just that, but she possibly introduced jersey into women's clothing.

Also surprising is that towards and at the very end of her life, Chanel was not well received in France. Her post-war comeback collections from 1954 were instead fervently followed by the American and British women. She was also not allowed to rest in peace at France's rich and famous grave yard. Instead, she sleeps in Switzerland. These were all connected to having had a relationship with a German officer during WWII and living a somewhat privileged life (she was also arrested by Gestapo for acting as a British spy too - what drama!).

A positive learning from the reading as opposed to the movie is that Chanel had a lot of lovers, aside from the few really serious ones who have ended up in sudden deaths. One of her lovers the Duke of Westminster, who was the closest to a serious relationship, even built her logo into the city posts of Westminster in London!

I also had no idea about a painting of her by Marie Laurencin, which she so did not like that she returned it. Apparently, this is for viewing at the Orangerie. It looks very familiar.

Overall, her life is all drama, with my god, lots of downs. Even so, I would think her life is nothing but encouragement for her continuous trial and continued passion.

Photo credit: Chanel news.