I was just checking out the Golden Globe nominations and I am in shock and disbelief that Shirley MacLaine was nominated, for Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-series or Motion Picture Made for Television, for her portrayal as Coco Chanel in the made-for-tv movie of the same name.  Really?  Is she that deserving? If I remember correctly, she was in about 15 minutes of the film. Her dialogue consisted of reciting a string of quotes attributed to Coco Chanel. And, the icing? She didn’t even have a French accent! When Coco Chanel premiered I was pretty vocal about how disappointing MacLaine’s portrayal of Chanel was. To see her nominated for such an uninspiring performance is almost insulting. I’m just sayin’.

It seems that it wasn’t just Barbora Bobulova who stole the show from Shirley MacLaine in Lifetime’s Coco Chanel made-for-TV movie. After I wrote my review, I have received LOTS of requests to find out more info on the mysterious and handsome actor who played Boy Capel, Chanel’s love of her life. The man in question is Olivier Sitruk, a French actor with piercing brown eyes and Mediterranean complexion. It’s your lucky day ladies, if you want to see more photos of the dashing actor check out his site here. Unfortunately it’s in French but click on “galeries” to view photos. For a listing of his past works check out imdb here. I hope that helps and quenches the thirst you have for Olivier Sitruk! Hopefully the French man will play more U.S. roles.

Last night I tuned in to Lifetime’s Coco Chanel, the story of the rise of one of the greatest fashion designer’s ever. Not only a fashion icon, Gabrielle Chanel is an inspiration to women and is the embodiment of the “modern woman,” a woman fiercely independent with a strong will and desire to achieve her dreams. I had expressed some doubt as to the casting, Ms. MacLaine as the grand dame of fashion was a bit of a stretch for me, but I tuned in nonetheless. If it’s about Chanel, I’m there! The film was about Mademoiselle’s youth and her rise from orphan to successful, independent designer. Barbora Bobulova played the “young chanel” and I think she did an amazing job. She had a believable French accent, resembled the young Gabrielle and gave life to Chanel’s struggles and emotions. I wish they aged Ms. Bobulova with make-up (as they did her cousin Adrienne) rather than cast Shirley MacLaine as Chanel. In a word, she was awful. Somehow, with age, Chanel lost her French accent. MacLaine didn’t even attempt a French accent - if she did it was barely noticeable. She sounded like a “hat check girl” in a Chanel costume and her lines were Chanel quotes strung together as “dialogue.” Thankfully, the film actually starred Barbora Bobulova and not Shirley MacLaine as the film was promoted. The film concentrated on Chanel’s youth with bits of older Chanel (MacClaine) telling her story. Though I detested the parts with MacLaine in it (I swear, it was really that bad), I actually did enjoy the film and it was wonderful to see Chanel’s early rise brought to life. I would definitely recommend viewing this, though you may want to plug your ears for the MacLaine lines, and if you missed it last night, tune in tonight to Lifetime at 7 pm.

P.S. - It seems like a lot of ladies are wondering who played the handsome Boy Capel - we’ve investigated for you and it’s Olivier Sitruk.

A few weeks back we posted about Lifetime’s made-for-television movie Coco Chanel.  Don’t forget to tune in tomorrow at 8pm ET/PT to check it out!

If you’ve read M.I.S.S. for a minute then you know that I love Chanel. She’s an icon and an inspiration for women striving to achieve their dreams. Lately, you’ve probably hear us talk about Coco Avant Chanel, the movie set for release next year starring Audrey Tautou as Mlle. Chanel. Well, it appears the mania is spreading and the Lifetime Network is the next to hop on the band wagon. On Saturday, September 13th at 8pm Lifetime is premiering Coco Chanel, the made-for-television movie depicting the life of Gabrielle Chanel. Barbora Bobulova plays the Chanel of youth and Shirley MacLaine plays the older, wiser Chanel. Now, I’ll watch this because it has to do with Chanel. But, I have to admit that I am less than excited about Shirley MacLaine playing Chanel. I have a giant mental block - I can’t see MacLaine as the sleek, sophisticated and suave Mademoiselle. It seems I’m not the only one, Vogue UK reported that so far, the critics are not impressed. If you’re curious, and want to make your own opinion (advised), tune in to Lifetime on September 13th. You can find more information on the Lifetime movie here.

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