Original subtitles

Coco Chanel is back.

For fifteen years the gates of

the Chanel fashion empire have been closed.

Now, at the age of seventy,

she's returned from her self-imposed exile

to make an eagerly anticipated comeback.

The fashion world is holding its breath.

Today, the legendary designer is unveiling her first collection...

in more than a decade.

Mr. Bouchier?

How will Coco Chanel respond to today's market...

dominated by designers like Dior?

Coco Chanel is a woman who dresses women.

I'm sure her collection will reflect that.

And what about-what about your relationship to Coco Chanel?

She's referred to you as an old bandit'!

Old bandit?

Old friend, more like.

I hope you enjoy the show.

Thank you. How are you?

Good. Good, good, good.

Ah, hello.

Hi.

Good to see you.

Hello!

Aah! How lovely to see you again! Lovely to see you!

Welcome. Thank you.

Marc!

I'll... I'll see you after the show.

Okay, great. Yes...

Adrienne!

What a pleasure to see you. How are you?

Very well

Odette. You look beautiful.

Thank you.

How is she?

As you might think,

Though she probably looks less nervous than you.

Are you coming up? Uhm... in-in a moment.

They're fighting to get in.

Cocteau, Visconti, Dali: they're all here.

All your old friends.

Some of my old enemies.

Aunt Coco... some more telegrams have arrived.

"You will always be the greatest of them all":

Marlene Dietrich.

"Only Parliament prevents me from coming there to salute you":

Winston Churchill.

Lift your arm, lift your arm.

No, no.

This isn't working.

Coco, please.

The crowd's getting restless.

Scissors, scissors.

Go.

Go, go.

Oh, dear! This is all rather underwhelming!

No. It was a fiasco.

I know. They had their knives out.

I'm so sorry, Coco.

Marc, I do not need... your condolences, please.

Maybe it could have been avoided.

Coco. Please, try not to be...

Adrienne.

Don't you worry.

I've suffered rejection before, as you well know.

Even when I was still being called Gabrielle.

Let me finish this.

Gabrielle...

You have to promise me something.

Take care of Julia.

You are stronger than her.

Of course.

Gabrielle, Julie! Hurry up!

I wish you could stay with us.

I know you do, Adrienne.

You see, the situation is that... I can't quite afford to pay.

I understand.

Once I'm established in America, I'll be back to collect you.

Please let us come with you.

I'll be back soon.

Promise?

I promise.

Turn around.

Please... turn around.

Le Combat says: "Coco Chanel is stuck in the past".

"A collection for grannies", ...the Express.

What did they know.

Well, they certainly weren't wearing kid gloves...

Ah! Please.

Spare me the infamous... 'Chanel silence'.

Let them write what they choose. I know what women want.

I admire your confidence.

But... maybe... times have changed.

And now we've lost... millions of Francs.

Perhaps you've lost faith in me too, Marc...

Alright, let's be honest.

I warned you of the risks, ...and of course... you insisted.

Let's hope... that this...

unmitigated disaster doesn't affect perfume sales, because if it does...

then that's going to be the final straw.

You have nothing more to add?

Mademoiselle...

What if they are right after all?

What if I am... just a relic from the past?

Yes! Yes!

Little darling, little darling, little candy.

Where did you go? Why did you run away?

I thought I saw our father! But I was wrong.

He's in America.

I'm afraid he'll never come back.

Good morning! Up you get! Come, come, come on! Up you go.

Today is your eighteenth birthday.

But the world outside is not an easy one.

Especially for a woman without experience and means.

I can work hard, as you taught me.

Have you asked God for his help?

Yes. Many times.

Just as I asked him to keep my mother alive...

and to bring my father back.

Maybe it's best if Julia stays.

She can make herself useful here. She's not as wilful as you are.

Adrienne tells me you were the best seamstress at the convent.

Let's hope that living with the angels taught you to sew like one.

I will try not to disappoint you, Madame.

I demand accuracy...

No, no, do it again

punctuality... and hard work.

Work hours are from seven o'clock in the morning...

to eight o'clock in the evening.

Room and board are deducted from your wages.

Gabrielle?

Bring Madame Rochefort's dress up here!

Yes, madame.

Carole?

Take this. I'll take this, go.

Pull your tummy in!

A bit more! More!

I couldn't breathe!

Beauty requires a bit of suffering.

Uh... uh... uh... Padding.

I spent thousands of Francs on this dress.

The latest fashion from Paris!

And look at it! Look at it! I'm the size of a house!

Your legs, madame.

My legs?

They are too short for the dress, madam. Mademoiselle Chanel!

If we raise the hem of the jacket at the front...

and leave it lower at the back... you'll seem slimmer.

It's all about proportion.

You want to alter the latest Paris fashion?

If you spent all this money... for the dress...

shouldn't you be happy with it?

You know... I think it will work.

Madame. The officers are here.

Chanel... get the lieutenant's coat.

Hurry up, girl!

Yes, Madame. Hurry!

I'm sure this would look even better on you than any of your customers.

It's far too expensive for me. Oh...

I know plenty of men...

that would buy it for you in a heartbeat.

Are you volunteering, Nexon?

I don't want to compete with you, Balsan.

Ah, I feel a lot more at ease!

Such elegance.

Such elegance can only come from Madame Desboutin's hands.

Thank you, lieutenant.

To dress such a...

beautiful lady is like... playing a Stradivarius.

Oh, thank you. Uh! You're welcome.

Stradivarius...

She's certainly about the same age as one.

Come on, Nexon.

He's written to me.

It's from one of the officers... from yesterday.

He's a baron.

But which one? The handsome one?

Yes, of course the handsome one.

And... he wants to see me again.

Tonight, at the Cafe Chantant.

You have to come with me, you know?

Let's go.

Adrienne!

It's him.

Him? Yes, of course.

Adrienne. Hmm!

Even more beautiful than I remembered.

Oh, good! You brought a friend.

I'm delighted you could make it too.

Come with me, I'll lead the way, come.

Come! No!

Hello!

Come and sit down with us.

A glass of champagne maybe?

You look like you've never seen champagne before.

Of course I have. I was raised on Champagne.

Are you from round here, Miss?

No. Oh... I'm from elsewhere.

And what do you do?

Oh, uh...

Actually, I-I'm a singer.

Oh, you're a singer! Then we better hear you sing then.

No, no. no.

Oh, yes!

No, please. No, let me go.

Get away! Get away! Get down!

Please! Here you go. Give me a drink.

Come on! Give her a big hand!

What would you like to sing?

Uh, do you know a song called 'Coco'?

Sure. Who doesn't know 'Coco'?

It's your friend.

I'm so pleased you came.

I... Shhh! Please!

If you please dear.

Do you know her?

I have a feeling I've seen her before.

I have no idea.

Bravo! Bravo! Bravo! That was wonderful! Bravo!

Bravo, Mademoiselle.

Bravo, Mademoiselle. You were wonderful!

Haven't we met somewhere before?

I don't think so.

So sad.

Quite a little songbird. Aren't we?

And who is she?

Another Stradivarius?

The age seems about right.

Yes she's a woman that...

Here she is.

The lieutenant's uniform needs darning.

The lieutenant asked for you specifically.

I want you to work immediately.

A bit of a tear... just here on the pocket.

Coco, Coco, je t'adore...

Stand still.

Sorry.

You know... I'm a very lucky man.

Why?

Because you chose last night to come to the cafe.

You remembered me though, didn't you?

Did I?

Ike! Sorry.

Sorry, I didn't mean to.

You're forgiven

There. Good as new.

Thank you.

By the way, that was a cut, not a tear.

If I didn't know better, I would say you did it on purpose.

You don't miss a thing, do you, Gabrielle?

Or should I call you Coco?

As you wish.

Wait. I must see you again.

It's impossible.

I work all day long...

and Madame Desboutin never lets us go out.

Mademoiselle Chanel.

Thank you. Good bye.

Au revoir

Did you receive my flowers?

Yes, yes. But... please...

What?

Don't send anymore.

Then I will send you a fresh bouquet every day.

You see, not a minute passes that... I don't think of you.

I don't believe you.

Do you want me to swear it to you?

I have to go, I...

Ever since that night at the cafe,

Madame Desboutin keeps a strict eye on me.

Oh. Haven't you ever kissed a man before?

Many. Don't you believe me?

I believe you.

I will be waiting for you here tomorrow night.

I can't promise anything.

I will be here all the same.

What would your sweetheart say if she saw us here together?

My what?

The Stradivarius.

You're referring to Emilienne D'Alencon, aren't you?

Actually there is nothing between us.

Hasn't been for years.

I have a few days leave, so...

would you like to come to my country house in Royallieu?

You and I? Alone?

My family will be there. Please say yes, CoCo.

I'm worried.

About what?

About meeting your mother.

Don't worry. She will adore you.

Here we are. This is Royallieu.

My horses. The love of my life.

Besides you, my baby one day.

Good afternoon, Mr. Balsan.

Good afternoon, Galardonne.

Is the guest room prepared?

As you requested, the red room.

Good. Galardonne will show you to your room,

so please come down when you're ready.

I'm going to see my horses.

This way

How beautiful.

Dinner is served, sir.

If you please.

Just you and me?

Well... my family will not be joining us, Coco.

I'm afraid I was not entirely honest with you.

So, this was all a trap...

Forgive me.

You have lied to me.

People do... crazy things when they're in love. Please.

Well, you have a beautiful house... the horses, the servants...

All very impressive.

But I would have preferred sincerity. Take me home.

Please, Coco.

Can't I persuade you to stay?

Alright, you want the truth? Soon I will leave the army.

So, I will be moving back here to my beautiful house, my servants,

my horses... and so what?

I will be here all alone.

But right now my feelings for you could last forever.

So if you want to leave now...

eventually I will forget you, as you will me.

Is that what you want? Because I don't.

Neither do you...

Coco.

He's asked me to live with him in his castle.

Do you know what this means?

It means throwing away all you have got here.

Not only your job. But your respectability too.

It's my life, Adrienne.

This is what I want to do, I can't live without him.

Haven't you two got anything better to do than chat all day?

Madame, I need to tell you...

Yes?

I've decided to leave.

Leave? To do what?

I'm going away.

Don't tell me you fell for the cheap flattery of that officer...

Do you know how many girls like you ended up in the gutter?

If you leave here, don't expect to come back.

I doubt I'll have any regrets.

I won't hold my breath waiting for the wedding invitation!

Shut up, you!

Welcome to your new home, my love.

I've missed you so much.

Aldo, the doors, please!

You are such a beautiful...

Etienne!

Come down! Don't miss the best part of the day!

You alright? Yes.

So, you put a leg here. This one.

Yeah. Oh, nice.

Sorry.

Take the hands on the reins, and put two fingers on the neck.

You ready? Uh-huh.

How are you going? Yes, I am.

Yeah. Here we are.

Tick tack, tick tack. Yeah, you got it!

Perfect.

Come on. Come on.

Alright.

Alright, you're great.

Who do those belong to?

To the gentleman upstairs, Madame.

You're a bloody menace! They should lock you up!

I've broken a few rules in my life, but I've never been to jail...

I'm pleased to say it.

And my crime... is?

You scared the living daylights out of my horse!

I could have broken my neck!

Oh, I'm sorry.

I'm terribly sorry, I didn't notice you.

In the future, I will try to drive more carefully.

But I can't promise.

I seem to get a bit carried away.

Oh, you're here at last!

Coco, have you been properly introduced to my best friend?

This... is Boy Capel. Polo champion and business tycoon in his spare time.

A violent barbarian, like all Englishmen.

But I see you two have already met...

Yes. We're already good friends.

What happened to you?

Nothing.

Women. So tell me...

How long have you known him?

Since university in England.

Now he's the only friend of mine... that actually likes to work.

What exactly does he do?

He inherited a struggling mining business from his grandfather.

And now he's busy making it into an empire.

You're exquisite...

He's a strange man.

He's a complicated man.

There are some things he never talks about.

His mother, for example.

What is it?

Open it.

You shouldn't have.

Waiting for you.

Good evening.

Bon soir.

Oh, my dear! You looked divine!

Oh, thank you.

Oh, Coco, you're here.

Surely you remember Emilienne d'Alencon...

The little songbird. Are you still singing?

Only duets with Etienne.

Etienne. My pearls.

I've never seen it worn that way round before.

Be careful with the clasp. It can come undone.

It was mine once... for a while.

Ladies talk.

Grazie mille, Mario! Grazie!

And now, ladies and gentlemen... the real tangueros!

Don't worry. It's not actually mine.

Etienne loans it to the girls of the moment.

When my turn was over... I gave it back.

I was so young and so naive in those days.

Do you tango? Coco?

I learnt in Buenos Aires from some real tangueros.

It's easy. Just follow me.

You're not thinking of marrying her, are you?

What do you think?

Oops! Oh! Don't do that! Oh! Sorry!

I think it's for me.

What happened?

Get out. Get out!

It's not what you think.

You invited her here without telling me!

She came with Alec Carter, the jockey.

I'm as surprised as you are darling.

This is hardly the first time you have lied to me.

Coco. I'm the first man who managed to get rid of her,

before she spent all she has. It's ancient history.

I don't believe you!

It's up to you.

If there is one thing I can't stand in a woman... it's jealousy.

Good night.

I've already found eight.

I don't think we'll give them back to Etienne.

It will serve him right.

We are only a game for him.

The trick... is to gain the most from men...

until they tire of us.

I found another one.

It's not a game. Because I'm not like...

You're not like what? You're not like me?

Aren't you a kept woman who depends on a man for everything?

This is different. I love him and he loves me.

But he won't marry you.

I'm telling you this for your own good.

I found another one.

In this world... men make the rules.

We women...

must rely on our looks and charm for pleasing our men.

Looks fade.

I suggest you take advantage of it while it lasts.

Like I did. I've been a dancer... I've been an artist's model...

and now I call the King of Belgium, Leo.

I didn't have to be a dancer or a model.

When I had nowhere to go, I found a job.

If I have allowed myself to be supported by Etienne,

it's not for his money.

And when he leaves you?

If that were to happen...

I'd survive.

I've been left before.

Come! Come!

Surely our trophy winner deserves something better than a bit of old carrot.

Go on, girl! Go on! Have fun!

Come back!

You made her very happy.

Dark moods are forbidden here... at Royallieu.

You don't seem to like much around here, do you?

No. Everything is perfect here, a cosseted world.

But after a few days, I can't wait to get away.

In fact, I'm leaving.

And where are you going?

Back to the problems and challenges of the real world.

Work is my passion, I couldn't live without it.

I envy you.

Don't you have a passion?

Bon jour, Madame.

Gabrielle!

Coco. I'm used to that now.

Look at you.

Listen, I'm here as a customer.

I'd like to buy some fabric to make myself some clothes.

Of course, Madame. There.

Thank you.

How's the life at Royallieu?

Good.

And how's it going with your baron?

We meet every Sunday.

I look like a piece of birthday cake! I don't like it!

It's the latest colour from Paris!

Oh! Oh... How are you, Chanel? Mademoiselle Chanel.

So you're back!

I need your advice.

How could this horrid dress be improved?

Try this one.

But that's Marquis of Saint Euvert's morning gown!

Try it on.

It just needs to be opened along the neckline...

a belt... and some white satin gloves.

She will look like an... up-market undertaker.

Be quiet!

You're late. They've all gone hunting.

Your trousers. Take them off.

How many years has it been, Etienne?

Many.

I was happy with you. Yeah.

We knew how to enjoy ourselves.

You left me. For a richer man, remember?

I made a mistake.

Good Lord! You can see her legs!

Oh, God! Even women have them! What a surprise!.

You really shocked everyone today.

Even you?

I must admit I was at a loss for words at first.

And then?

I'm in love with you for many reasons.

With you, I never get bored.

My love for you is above temptation.

What temptation?

Hmm, there are many.

But the fact that... I overcome them...

proves my love for you.

My dearest Julia... happy birthday.

I'm sending you a dress and hat... that I made especially for you...

and a jar of my chestnut jam.

I hope you like it.

Over a year has passed since I arrived here at Royallieu...

and I can't wait to embrace you.

I am pleased to hear how happy you are at the convent.

I started making hats a few months ago...

and hope to be able to sell them.

It's just a dream at the moment though...

Coco!

Coco!

What on earth... are you wearing on your head?

My own creation. Don't you like it?

Yes, I like it, but, Coco,

Real ladies don't wear straw hats at Polo.

Polo is more formal, elegant, I don't know, everything!

But I'm not a real lady... or hadn't you noticed?

Actually I had.

Hurry up. Hurry up.

Ah, Balsan!

Coco!

Oh.

Still Etienne's little shadow...

Don't worry. I will be right back.

And you?

I don't see the King of Belgium with you.

I'm perfectly fine by myself, thank you.

What beautiful pearls. Haven't I seen them before?

You have Etienne... I have his pearls.

Who's that extravagant man with the fat belly?

It's Paul Poiret, a fashion designer.

Now he's looking at you.

Brace yourself.

What are you... wearing on your head, Madame?

A straw hat. Is something wrong?

No...

Can't you recognize a hat, without a bird's nest on top?

Obviously, some women like their hats this way.

Allow Paul Poiret to determine... what a woman wants to wear.

You mean what you want them to wear.

But are you sure that's the same thing?

No, I don't see many women here that... share your ideas... nor your taste.

Excuse me.

My mistress, the Princess Charlotte...

would like to know where did you purchase your hat.

Maison Chanel. Hats and dresses. Paris.

You put Poiret in his place. Bravo!

Who knows? Maybe one day it might come true.

Why not?

You could start by making me a hat like yours.

I once told you not to underestimate me.

Instead... I've underestimated you.

Men don't deserve us, Coco.

Two pearls like ourselves.

If you Please.

Oh!

Oh!

Coco! Etienne! Hi!

How nice to see you both.

Did you teach her to play?

It's one of the many things I've learned at Royallieu.

A package has arrived from Paris for you.

Oh! Finally!

What is this?

You'll see.

Now, please, don't stop.

You can turn a straw hat into a verse of poetry.

Please...

You have a God given talent, Coco.

Are you making fun of me? I'm deadly serious.

And you play Polo like your life depends on it.

I was scared for you.

Next time I promise I'll be more careful, just for you.

I remember what Etienne said about you,

"Violent and barbarian, like all Englishmen."

I don't even feel particularly English. I'm certainly not keen on them.

Nor they on me.

Are you feeling more welcome here in France?

Not really.

I'm a man without a real home. Neither English... nor French.

A home...

Yes.

My mother was Jewish.

She was studying to become an opera singer.

But my father interrupted her career...

and demanded that she forget her dreams.

He left her before I was born.

Etienne once told me that you never speak about your mother.

Yes. That's true.

But today here with you, something pushed me to do so.

Coco?

Oh, Adrienne!

How nice to see you.

Thank you for inviting us.

I can't wait any longer to tell you. Maurice has proposed to me.

Oh, really? I'm so happy for you both!

When's the big event?

His parents are still strongly opposed...

They told him I don't have the... proper breeding.

Well, they are wrong.

However, I have persuaded him not to be hasty.

I still suspect that Madame Desboutin will

receive your wedding invitation before she does mine.

Oh, a letter for me. From Emilienne.

Princess Charlotte has asked her

for the address of Maison Chanel in Paris.

Great! Looks like you made quite an impression.

Yes! Wouldn't that be... something? A shop in Paris?

Are you serious?

You should give it a try. What have you got to lose?

Come on, Boy. Don't encourage her.

I could come and help you!

And we could sell hats!

What a team you would make.

Unstoppable.

Etienne, didn't you have an apartment in Paris?

Yeah.

An apartment would be great to start with.

Well... we'll think about it.

Hey, careful!

Etienne! Break! Break!

Just 'cause you're a bloody lousy teacher!

You need to listen in order to learn.

Oh, yeah?! Says who?!

Can I try?

Well... if I wasn't able to do it, I rather doubt...

Maybe she's a better student.

We'll see.

One of us needs to be able to drive, Etienne.

Looking forward to the show.

Jimmy, bring my cigarettes!

So... Yes. First gear... Yes.

Slowly back, and he is on the first gear.

Yes, yes, that's... that's right, that's there

Slowly, slowly, turn slowly...

Etienne, come with us!

It's not for me! I prefer my horses!

Please, come!

No, you go ahead!

Hey!

Slowly, slowly!

That's it! That's it!

That's easy! Perfect! Yea!

Slow down! Slow down! Slow down, no!

Are you hurt?

No, I'm...

Oh... I'm so sorry.

It's just a thing.

It can be fixed... or replaced.

It's worth it for the pleasure of being with you.

We'd better go back, it's going to rain. Wait a second.

Wait. Wait a second

Let's go.

Rain in the country is so depressing.

It's just as depressing in the city, darling.

Even in Paris? Especially in Paris.

Checkmate.

Boy... where is your English education?

I mean, this is my house. Sometimes... I'm supposed to win.

Do you ever lose at anything?

The hardest part is trying to look that I'm not trying hard.

Sure.

There is electricity in the air tonight, I can feel it.

Boy!? Coco!?

Yes?

Where are you?

Is everything all right Sir?

Yes, just fine Galardonne.

I think it's best that he's gone. Thank you, Albert.

I'm just surprised he's left without saying goodbye.

Coco.

I... I felt threatened.

I felt like I was losing you.

Now I realize that... nothing else matters but us.

I... I really want you to be happy.

You're the love of my life.

I'm almost done.

Monsieur Etienne says that

he'll be up to see you as soon as he has finished his dinner.

After his dinner? I don't understand.

Madame Balsan is tired...

and prefers to dine alone with her family.

And so how long should I stay locked up in my room?

You are not the kind of girl to be introduced to his mother.

Aren't you going to introduce me, Etienne?

I was just coming up for you.

I saved you the trouble.

Would you excuse us, mother?

Your mother was tired? Spare me the lies, Etienne.

Galardonne has already made your position clear.

Let me explain.

You didn't even have the courage to tell me that I wasn't invited!

I didn't have the time. My mother kept me talking.

About what?! The date of our wedding?

Whether or not I could dress in white?

You're right

You're right. Maybe I...

Maybe I handled this badly, but just admit one thing...

I'm listening.

I never said I would marry you.

So... Galardonne was right.

I'm just... here for your pleasure. I'm not fit for marriage.

Seriously...

What would change between us if I did marry you?

Seriously.

I... I can't believe you are asking me this.

Do you have any idea of what commitment means?

Coco, I wanted you to live here with me...

and I still do... Nothing has changed.

Today you say that. What about tomorrow?

You want some guarantees...

This is not a business deal! Next you'll be offering me money!

So what do you want?

I want to leave.

This... this place was like a dream.

But tonight I opened my eyes.

So, now you're doing to me...

what you were afraid I would do to you, right?

As you once said, Etienne.

"Eventually, I'll forget you... as you will me".

It was so sad.

It was so very very sad.

You remember, Adrienne? Yes.

And then... I had to start all over again.

It's amazing the cares one looses when one decides not to be something, but someone.

I don't know how you found the strength.

Strength is built by one's failures, not by one's... successes.

I was strong from swimming upstream against the current.

What is this you're wearing?

Stand up.

Oh. Please.

Oh, my God... Oh.

How can your brain function properly when you're wearing that?

I'm going to a cocktail party. Don't you like it?

It's atrocious. Absolutely atrocious.

You know, you only have a date with destiny tonight, my dear,

and you must be prepared to be dressed as pretty as possible.

Turn around.

You can't even move in this armour.

Designers these days have forgotten

that real women are inside these clothes.

Oh... What am I going to do to salvage this monstrosity?

The top has to go.

A few subtle adjustments.

You know, to be irreplaceable, you have to be different.

So.

Perfect.

Very good.

Now... the skirt will have to go.

I built my designs... in response to my needs.

But the cocktail party?

You will go...

when you are dressed in a style that befits my beautiful niece.

Yes, Madame? Yes, please,

take the curtain down, please.

The fill-me one, the inside fill-me one, take it down.

Now... a woman's body...

is what defines the shape... of the dress.

Particularly when it's as beautiful as yours.

The poetry of fashion lies in the creation of illusion, you see?

A woman can be overdressed, but never over-elegant. Now...

But... this material is for curtains.

Yes, well... the material is not what matters.

What matters... is the vision.

Now... Adornment... what a science.

Beauty... what a weapon.

So, fashion is at once both caterpillar by day...

and butterfly by night.

Dresses should both crawl... and fly.

Put this on, please.

A butterfly does not go to market

and a caterpillar does not go to a party.

What do you think?

It's... It's Chanel.

And... a woman wearing the wrong perfume... has no future.

Go.

I suppose it was your idea to have her come here

dressed in one of my enemies gowns...

Coco, how could you even think such a thing?

It was a very good idea.

A failed innovation is painful. A revival of it is sinister.