Karl Lagerfeld directed a 10-minute silent film, documenting the early years of Gabrielle Chanel, to coincide with a showing of Chanel’s Paris-Moscow, a luxury pre-fall ready-to-wear collection.  The homage was fitting since her early years were heavily influenced by French men, and Russian men, alike.  The film was shot in 2 days and rather than use extras, Lagerfeld recruited actual workers from the atelier.  “I cannot take extras,” Karl stated. “They don’t know how to touch the clothes.”

The idea of a silent film is really new, even though the method itself is a bit antiquated.  In a time when we’re constantly bombarded with technology, it’s quite refreshing to sit back for a minute in silence and just watch.  “Today, people are ready for silent movies again, as they spend time — hours, I would say — looking at text messages and e-mails,” Karl stated. “I always loved silent movies.”  It seems like this is the year for Chanel on film, first Lifetime, now this, and next year the feature film.  I cannot wait to see this - I feel like with Karl directing this ship, it will be the most accurate, (and probably best looking), portrayal of Mlle. Chanel’s early life.  The show and mini-film will be shown tonight in Paris.

Images & Info

Similar Posts:

• Chanel Silent Film - Complete Version
• Coco Avant Chanel - Coco Chanel Film Update
• From Russia With Love: Chanel Métiers D’Art Pre-Fall 2009
• Mint Condition: Chanel’s Limited Edition Coins
• EXTRA EXTRA READ ALL ABOUT IT: Audrey Tautou to play Coco Chanel

Tags: Chanel Silent Film, Coco Chanel, Gabrielle Chanel, karl lagerfeld, Lifetime, Mlle. Chanel, Paris-Moscow, Silent Film