Original subtitles

Your creditors are queuing up outside.

Yesterday the haberdasher... today the baker.

How much longer do you expect me to keep them at bay?

I know, I know...

So... can you pay me what you owe?

I'm... I'm sorry, Madame. I only seem... to have...

It's been the same story for the past ten months.

This time I must contact the landlord, Monsieur Balsan.

He'll have to pay your debts.

No. Please.

No, I-I... I just need a few more days.

I'll take one of the hats instead of the money you owe me.

This one, I think.

But... it costs fifty Francs.

Only if someone is prepared to pay it.

Do you really believe you can make a living by selling hats?

It's a bit worn.

It's hardly been worn at all. It's from Argentina, you know?

I'll give you eighty Francs.

A hundred. Please.

Ninety.

Your collection six months ago was a catastrophe.

We're still counting the cost.

Now, as your friend and your business partner...

I can't let you risk another collection.

Now, please, be reasonable.

Oh, have I never been reasonable? Ever?

I hate the word, I loathe it. Makes me feel dead inside.

Yes but we're risking everything. The atelier, I mean, your entire work!

Well, life is risk!

You've been out of the business for fifteen years.

Fashions have changed, Coco!

Fashion is not only about clothes, for goodness sake.

Fashion is in the sky, it's in the street...

it's in... it has to do with ideas, my dear!

It has to do with what people think and how they feel and who they are!

Look around you! Fashion is everywhere!

People only remember the name Chanel for the perfume!

Well, the scent of Chanel will not be remembered for much longer either,

if I don't have more substantial back up.

Woah, what do you mean back up?

Now, what ideas are you brewing, Mademoiselle?

The same as always, Marc.

The principle that women have to dress...

themselves, not for the pleasure of their men!

Do you understand it?

Freedom is... never out of style.

There's not a woman in the world...

who doesn't get up in the morning... every morning...

looks at herself in the mirror... and tries to decide what to wear.

My legacy is to clothe those women, that's it.

Stop trailing after me, like some jilted lover.

And go look for a solution!

If I'm not mistaken, that's what I pay you for.

Is it here yet?

Not yet. Go and check, please.

I already have a solution.

Look, I've looked at this thing from every conceivable angle, and...

unfortunately, the only solution for you is to sell.

Sell?

So, that's what we've come to, have we, Marc?

I have someone who's... interested.

I could keep my position as director... to protect the integrity of your name.

Oh... I see you've thought of everything, huh?

Well, your position, mostly.

Of course, you would remain as the... creative figurehead of the company.

Figurehead?

Yes.

From your chalet in Saint Moritz... or your house in Venice.

Time to be with your friends... time... for yourself.

You've worked hard for this, Coco.

It's a very... a very tempting proposal, I must admit.

What do you think, Adrienne? Should we sell?

Should I sell to the highest bidder?

No, you can't be serious.

Why not?

I would have a much more peaceful life

at my chalet in Saint Moritz or my home in Venice, wouldn't I?

Of course, you'd... I'm afraid you'd have to...

give up your second collection.

Marc. Never lay down conditions on me.

Look. If you agree, if... I'll open negotiations immediately.

See if a suitable arrangement... can be fixed.

There... Look over the draft contracts.

And I will call you later.

You don't really intend to sell, do you?

Why not? Maybe he's right.

Retire? That's the furthest thing from my mind.

I have never given up before and I have no intention of doing it now...

Oh, look at these...

Mademoiselle Chanel the bailiffs were here.

They wanted to break the door down,

I persuaded them to wait, but they said they'll be back.

Boy... l-I didn't know you were in Paris...

Aren't you going to invite me in?

Yes, of course.

How's business?

Oh, very good.

You know, I think this is really starting to take off.

I hope you are not disappointed to see me...

No, no... On the contrary.

If you leave me your address, I'll definitely come and see you.

I'm living at the Ritz. We're neighbours.

Gabrielle Chanel. I have a warrant in your name.

I'm required to secure payment

or assets to the value of five hundred Francs.

One carpet... one round table... three hats... one lamp.

I'll pay you back every last cent.

I could hardly let them take away the furniture.

Imagine Balsan sleeping on the floor next time he visits his apartment.

You left without saying goodbye.

I wrote you a letter.

I never received it.

I never sent it.

What about you?

Have you seen Etienne again? No.

I thought he was going to marry you.

That was never his real intention.

But I'm grateful to him.

He opened my eyes.

And I'm grateful to you too. For having believed in me.

And even if I've lost this first round, I won't give up.

You simply started off on the wrong foot.

How do you expect customers to walk up three flights of stairs

and then find themselves in a room that's colder than the North Pole?

If you want to be successful, you need a shop...

with a window on a busy street where people can stop and look...

like this.

I have a proposition for you. Let's go into business together.

You put in the talent and I'll put in the money.

Do you want to know what I wrote... in the letter?

That not a day goes by when I don't think of you.

Maybe we shouldn't mix business with pleasure.

You should have more faith in me, Coco.

I'm not Etienne.

You're not him tonight.

Good night.

I love the way this conforms...

What's going on?

You promised me you wouldn't put out another collection.

I never promised you a thing.

Well, alright, you... you led me to believe that.

Well, you wanted to believe it.

Have you... any idea what I've been through to secure this sale?

Oh, look at this!

Look, every piece made by hand. It's so exquisite.

Anything worth while is difficult.

You have received a handsome advance for the sale of your name.

Now... you-you must comply with the agreement,

otherwise legally you're putting us... in a very bad position.

Raise your arms, Odette. You see? It doesn't lose its shape.

And that is... because of the chain.

They'll sue you.

You see? The chain weighs it down. They'll sue you for every last penny.

I can't bear the jackets that ride up, can't bag up.

Please pay attention to me and be serious!?

I'm serious, I've never been more serious in my life.

What shall we do... skirt above the knee or below?

What do you think? Listen.

Listen to me.

I've always been a loyal friend to you.

Loyal to me or loyal to the share of profits that I give you?

You're a tough and ungrateful woman.

And whom... do you seek revenge?

Too many people to count.

Well, there are those... who you should be grateful to.

I owe nothing... to anyone...

If there are those who have been close to me - men, women, rich or poor -

it because it was to their advantage to do so.

The only person I owe gratitude to is me!

This is Chanel! For a reason. Now, can we work?!

Don't you have anything more simpler?

If you want simple... I suggest you buy a pot of paint.

Paint. White paint.

I simply can't do anything Monsieur Capel.

Oh, Adrienne!

How wonderful! What on earth are you doing here?

Boy wanted to surprise you.

He's doing all this for you.

Listen. Why don't you stay in Paris for a while?

You can live with me and help me with the shop.

It would be a change of scene for you.

How is this?

What do you think of this?

Hello! Good to see you! Welcome! Oh, good evening Monsieur Capel!

It's such a pleasure to see you again.

Thank you. Please.

I can't believe you did all this for me.

Let's hope it goes well.

Risk... is what life is all about.

Oh, excuse me.

Coco!

Oh, Elise! I'm so glad you've come. Look! I wore your hat!

I want to try one on.

Yes, please, come in.

What do you think?

This is amazing.

Isn't it? Coco... Really.

How have you been? I'm so proud of you.

Thank you. Go ahead just have a look at those.

Well, it could be perfect for my character in Bel Ami.

Yes, it's true.

I don't know if Doucet would approve...

Doucet? The Doucet?

The most important dressmaker in Paris, besides Poiret, of course.

He designs her clothes.

Can you show him my hats?

Well... I don't know, it's not that easy, but... we can try.

Oh, oh, thank you. Marvellous! Ladies, a toast to us!

Coco? I'm so excited.

Yes? Excuse me.

Do you know Mademoiselle Chanel?

Should I?

No. I've not had the pleasure of meeting you yet.

If that's considered a pleasure...

Excuse me.

Your friend is very rude.

Only when provoked.

It was absolutely marvellous.

Thank you for coming. Thank you.

Bye. Good luck. Bye. Thank you.

Coco? Yes?

Let me introduce you to Lord and Lady Windham.

Hello. Congratulations. Your hats are marvellous.

Thank you. Yes, in fact, Diana's asked me to buy her one.

Well, if I can be of any assistance...

Oh yes.

Um, I would like to try this one... please.

I'll go get it for you. Thank you.

See you later, darling. Of course.

Oh, it's so good to see you here, Diana.

I didn't know you were a friend of Boy's...

Oh, not really a friend. His father is my godfather.

Ah. And... Mademoiselle Chanel, do you know her?

I've just met her.

Balsan handed her over to Capel when he tired of her.

Who do you think pays for all of this?

Well... she seems like a charming woman.

And I think she's very attractive.

She's just a little money-grabber...

an uneducated seamstress...

And what about you, Diana, did you go to Chantal's Cafe?

It's a great success. Something wrong?

No. Everything's fine.

I can't stand just waiting.

I'll try it because you insisted so much,

but I don't know if he will agree.

Wait for me here, I'll call Doucet.

When an artist provides the answers...

before the questions are even asked... he is not understood.

Or she, of course.

So, let's see.

This one... no.

No. Do you make them yourself?

Yes I do, Monsieur Doucet.

This one won't work either.

This is not the type of, work you just improvise.

Who taught you?

No one.

It's been a passion of mine since I was a child.

Didn't you play with dolls?

I preferred ribbons... buttons... velvet...

This hat. Yes. This hat has the answer...

before the question is asked.

It's the work of an artist.

In its... simplicity.

I see your signature.

And what do you think, Mademoiselle Dorziat?

I think it's perfect for Bel Ami.

Then we have a match. Doucet costumes... Chanel hats.

Yes, I'm looking to purchase a hat

like the one Gabrielle Dorziat wore in Bel Ami.

This one here.

Of course.

Thank you.

You look perfect. Thank you

I'm pleased you accepted my invitation.

Uh, Boy Capel and Mademoiselle Chanel.

Uh, Boy Capel, of course.

But I can't seem to find Mademoiselle Chanel.

Could you look again, please?

I'm afraid there is no Chanel on the list.

Mademoiselle Chanel is with me.

Don't worry.

I'm sure it's just a misunderstanding.

I'd like to speak to the person who drew up the list.

Madame Elizabeth Ducrot, the Ambassador's wife, prepared it.

Your friend Elizabeth... Who else?

Wait!

Coco. Wait.

Leave me alone. Go to your party, it's full of important people.

I couldn't care less about them.

The only person I really care about is you.

I don't belong to your world.

Even at my opening they scrutinized me and judged me.

An ex-mistress, grown up in an orphanage.

You've asked me to always tell you the truth.

I love you... Coco.

Please, don't say that.

Don't you think I know how it feels not to be accepted?

You and I are not so different.

I've lived with rejection all my life.

My father has never even shown any desire to know me.

Don't push me away.

I've never felt like this about anyone in my life.

We are the same... you and I.

We are one.

Monsieur Capel. Madame.

Gaston

Coco?

You forgot this.

It's wilted, you can throw it away.

Why did you leave?

If I've offended you in some way...

What are you afraid of?

Myself, of you, of my feelings, of the night we spent together...

One day, at Royallieu...

I heard you speak of a man who left you.

But I never will... Coco. I want you to marry me.

Marry you? Yes.

Will you be my wife?

I love you, Boy.

But I'll only marry you when I'm no longer dependent.

You are so proud.

You will suffer.

Good morning. For you

Yes. Thank you.

You're welcome.

Nothing.

He left two weeks ago and since then I haven't heard from him.

I'm not sure.

If you don't like it, you're not obliged to buy it, Madame.

Thank you for stopping Madame. Goodbye.

He'll never come back.

After all, why should he waste his time on me?

You know what you need to do? To get away for a bit.

I have no desire to go anywhere.

We can't live our lives waiting around for Boy and Maurice to call.

Do you know what we should do? Let's go to Deauville.

That will cheer you up.

Why can't women be free like men? And as free as they are?

Because this is the way the world is. I don't think you can change that.

Really?

Mademoiselle.

Would you like to see some of my beautiful shells?

Listen. The sound of the sea.

Beautiful. No.

I'll buy it.

Really?

All of them.

I don't believe it.

Let's go for a walk.

Everyone is looking at us.

They're envious.

I hope we don't get arrested.

Hi...

Do you tango... Mademoiselle?

I hope you missed me.

Who told you I was in Deauville?

I would have found you anywhere... even... without Adrienne's note.

I was worried you'd disappeared for good.

That's what I wanted to do.

I couldn't sleep at night. You made me suffer.

I wanted that too.

You can be very cruel.

Like anyone who's in love.

I have ended my contracts with the Germans.

I won't be supplying them anymore coal. I only hope it's not too late.

Do you think there could be a war?

If men were to choose between war and peace, they'd choose war.

Especially the English, with their greed for power.

Starting with my father.

Tell me about him.

Sir David... member of Parliament.

He paid for me to study in the best schools in England...

but he never wanted to meet me in person.

And you?

You've never spoken of yours.

It's a sad story.

You don't have to tell me anything.

Our family isn't what's important.

You... and I... are all that matter.

I want to open a shop here in Deauville.

Not just for hats.

But to sell comfortable clothing.

Sportswear for women. And not only rich women either.

If you think you can handle it all... I'll back you all the way.

Risk is what life is all about. And you know who told me that...

I take one.

We need to get back to Paris... immediately.

Why?

War... could break out at any moment.

You say you hate the English, yet you volunteer to fight for them.

It's my duty.

That detestable uniform becomes you. Stay another day.

The Germans are thirty kilometres from Paris now.

You have to leave too, as soon as possible.

Go back to Deauville, it's safer there, and you can open your shop.

I made this for you.

Don't be afraid. I'll be back.

But I am afraid.

I always have the same nightmare.

Every day and every night.

There is a man I love... but he goes away.

I try to keep him with me, but I can't.

I have to go.

And I have to stay.

Oh here it is.

Well, this is perfect.

I don't know.

I don't see many people around.

Women have to wear clothes even in times of war.

Don't they?

I had to leave my whole wardrobe in Paris...

and all the servants too.

We only have one maid here with us.

Can you feel how soft the fabric is?

How it moves with you? Try walking.

And you can put them on easily... by yourself.

Armand. What do you think?

It's indecent!

Put it on the table and unroll it. Stand still.

Can't you design on paper like anyone else?

I've never been able to draw and you know it.

Coco, isn't it too short?

Women need to be comfortable.

Rich women because they no longer have their maids to dress them...

the poor because they need to work.

And they'll all be dressed in the same way.

Let's have a look.

My darling. Everything has changed here.

Deauville is full of women... old people and children...

everyone who escaped Paris.

How sad life is without men... especially you, my darling.

The number of injured rises here in Deauville each day.

I wish I could do more for them.

During the day, I keep the shop open

and the night I work for the Red Cross.

Business is beginning to go well.

Which seems so at odds with tragedy all around us.

Hey! I need a medical officer here. Come on! Quick, quick!

Lieutenant, I've got a telegram here

from the President of the Army Commission.

Clemenceau?

He wants to see you.

When? Immediately. Yes Sir. Thank you sir.

Diana? Boy!

Seems like a lifetime ago since we last saw each other.

Have you been at the front for long?

My husband and my brother died at Verdun.

Serving the Red Cross, I feel like I'm still close to them.

I'm terribly sorry.

Stay safe.

There's nothing left.

Wool, velvet, silk... Poiret took the lot.

Have you got any jersey?

Jersey?

I thought you made women's clothing.

Not overalls for the workers.

Let me decide what material to use.

I need some jersey. I'll take all you have.

Will you sell it to me or not?

I thought I'd never sell this lot.

Then I'll take it for half price.

It hangs so nicely.

And it's so soft. Is it cashmere?

It's jersey, Madame.

The effect is the same. But it's less expensive.

Well, if that's the case, my husband will certainly like it.

Coco, my darling.

I can't stop thinking of our last night together here at the Ritz.

The city is dark and desolate. And the Germans are close.

I've been assigned a job which requires a great deal of travel.

I'll have to act as a go-between... for all the Allies' military units.

That's all I can say at the moment.

I miss you... with my whole heart.

The only thought that has given me the strength to go on...

day after day... is that you exist...

that you wake up... breathe... and walk through the streets freely...

so far from me... but under the same vast sky.

Thank you I am pleased you liked it

Good bye! Good bye

Mademoiselle.

Your clothes are well-suited to these sad times.

Your jersey is going to transform women...

into little malnourished switchboard operators.

I don't see anything wrong with that...

since women are working at switchboards and in factories.

Even they deserve to dress elegantly.

I focus on a totally different class of customers.

It's a shame they have ceased to focus on you.

You lack... imagination, my dear.

That's why you dress women like... shop assistants.

Better shop assistants...

than female slaves off to the Turkish baths.

Coco!

Boy is here! Really?

Really, I saw him.

Where? On the beach. Go!

Go!

I was crazy to lay down conditions for you.

I wanted to be successful and independent.

Tell me that we are always together.

Tell me if you like this.

This war will mean nothing.

And history will only repeat itself, without dialogue between governments.

A thought might end a book like this.

What title did you finally decided on?

Reflections on a Victory

Hmm, I think it's wonderful.

The editor likes it too.

He is organizing a big launch in London.

We can make it our honeymoon.

And you did all this by yourself.

I never have been able to do that without you.

My talent. Your money. Remember?

I once told you I would give you back every cent.

You don't need me any more.

I don't know if I like that.

I need you forever.

The war is over! The war is over!

The war is over!

It's perfect! We'll take it.

The ground floor will easily accommodate a tallieur and a workshop.

The ground floor?

No, no, no, no, no, no. I will take the entire building.

But there are six floors, Madame.

That will be enough. For now.

Adrienne!

Excuse me.

My darling! Oh, Maurice!

I love you! I can't believe it!

She couldn't choose another date?

I can't do that to Adrienne.

She is waiting ... ... a whole life to get marry.

Just can't miss her wedding.

If I only know! I'm so sorry, Boy.

Don't worry. I'll manage all the same.

I'll be waiting for you.

Come back soon. I love you.

Number1, has less bergamot. Number2, more bergamot.

Alright. Alright.

They both have 80 fragrances in each of these samples.

It is enough to baffle the senses.

This one.

And have you thought of a name?

Number 5.

Chanel number 5.

I am sure that this will be my lucky number.

Come on, quick!

Here we go.

I miss this job.

But ... most of all, I miss you.

Darling, you are the one who decided that a married woman shouldn't work.

Maurice isn't like Boy. And I'm not like you.

You would never sacrifice your work. And you be wrong to do so.

If ... I just think how you began ...

and now ... Look at all you done!

You're right.

But if he asked me, I marry him tomorrow without any strings attached.

Thank you.

The title of the book shows a remarkable foresight, Mr. Capel.

Diana!

What a lovely surprise!

And ... how are you holding up?

Better. Now that the war is over.

Will you sign it for me?

Yes, of course.

My darling! Coco!

How wonderful to see you!

You are looking as beautiful as ever.

Thankyou.

I heard you opened a shop in Biarritz.

Your clothes are fantastic. But I knew right away you were a genius.

Ever since you opened your men in your shop.

What about Boy? Do you still see him?

Occasionally.

Do you go to his book presentation?

Apparently, all the influential people in London attended.

I was unable to go.

Oh, he must have been heart broken.

Have you seen Times?

There is a picture of him in it.

Says there that he and Lady Wyndham see each other often.

Reporters can be so malicious.

Lady Wyndham is Sir David's goddaughter, did you know?

No.

Apparently Boy has made it up with his father.

You are full of good news, Elizabeth!

Did you come here especially to tell me this?

I came for a suit

And I will give you a special price.

Double the sale prices for the ambassador's wife.

Ah, here we are! Now, please.

I want you to take her stepping into the street.

Fashion is not fashion unless ... it's in the street. You understand?

Please. Please! Up against here ...

Coco! Coco! Just a moment.

I must demand one last time that you cancel the show.

Demand is such a ugly word, Marc.

The show is going on and I will proceed as I planned.

Make sure we get the empreinte of Chanel.

This letter is from my lawyers.

What is this?

I am afraid they are seeking an injunction against you.

On what ground, sir?

Breach of contract.

The agreement allows you to act creative head of Chanel.

Not to run it like your own private feat. What do you have me do, Marc?

Sit in my villa alone trying to relive my past?

Look, I am sorry, but it is the investors.

So this is what is coming to?

My dear friend, my business partner turns against me too?

Oh no no no! No, no. It's you who is treating me like the enemy.

It's taken years off my life, fighting your battles for you, Coco.

What, you are more generous than I am?.

But you and I both know that I have a terrible personality.

But I know people and I can see that you are about to walk away from me.

I expect that.

Come on.

Did I ever tell you how the little black dress came about?

Did I ever tell you?

There you are. Thank you.

Well, they changed the curtains, but everything else is the same.

Here is where it all started, you know?

I owe everything to Boy Capel.

He was the love of my life.

I haven't seen you for three months.

Are you are here about this?

Yes.

Are you going to marry her?

Yes

It requires no explanation, then.

There really nothing to understand.

You have ... You have a really sophisticated woman at your side.

You made a very good choice, Boy.

She comes from an important family. Very well connected.

And she is your father's goddaughter too.

You once told me that you didn't care about him.

Then I knew it wasn't true.

I too would have given anything for my father's love.

I don't know what to say to you.

You want to marry Diana, Marry her.

If you don't do it now, you would do it sooner or later.

It's all my fault!

The day you asked me to marry you.

I was afraid to give to my feelings.

Do not be afraid to do what you think is right.

Don't worry about me, Boy.

I will survive.

It's perfect!

Not perfect enough!

No more sewing machines!

Everything by hand from now on.

Good night. Good night.

Frau Ericka Muelller has sent a cable from Berlin,

saying that she will be in Paris and that she has put on five kilos.

Her dress has already been made. She has to lose weight.

Hello!

It's me.

I was wrong to ask you to set me free.

We both made the biggest mistake of our lives.

If I were there with you now, I get down on my knees ...

beg you to forgive me.

You are the... love of my life.

Tell me ... you'll have me back and I will hurry back to you in time

to wish you Merry Christmas.

I will be waiting for you.

Tell me we'll always be together.

Hello!

Yes, it's me.

What?

No!

No, stop please!

Do you have any comments for us, Mademoiselle Please madame, say something.

Well, that thought gave me great comfort.

The thought that nothing ever really disappears.

And so after Boy die, I ...

... I design a little black dress, full black, all for myself,

because, what else could I do?

And, unintentionly, without even knowing, it was a success, you know?

Boy was my companion, my friend, my father, my brother. My love.

And after Boy died, I uh ...

I do, I went on with the business which is what all I really did have left.

I can not allow everything we did together come to an end.

That is the reason, Marc, why I want to continue on with this.

With or without you.

Yes.

I do hope, Marc, that you can find a way to let the show go on.

Hello, how are you? Good to see you!

Ah, Madame. How are you? Nice to... Hi.

I like the swell suit.

Ah! Welcome back! Very nice to see you all!

Thank you for coming.

Adrienne, hello.

Big night!

Andre, good to see you!

Welcome back, Marc.

Welcome back, Mademoiselle Chanel!

Jacket!

Beautiful!

Lindo demais!

Is splendid.