French fashion Special 2 - do it Paris like Chanel

Cigarette-cut trousers, cropped bobs, a french actress once the face of Chanel and a french director: the French are so keen on their cinema - and their classic fashion - they are making yet another Coco Chanel film.

"Coco Chanel et Igor Stravinsky" staring Anna Mouglalis as Coco, should be released in April 2009.

The film is based on a novel by Chris Greenhalgh, Coco and Igor.

It is a romantic uptake on Coco Chanel and composer Igor Stravinsky's fiery fascination for each other. The producer, Jan Kounen, said it would be a film about desire, love and passion - Oulala!

Anna Mouglalis is going to rival Audrey Tautou and it could be a tie: both actresses appear to be a perfect fit for the role of fashion designer giant.

This could well suggest that Coco-style is the next French trend to follow.

The french Elle rates cigarette trousers as the trend of the winter - all very 1913 - and the magazine is full of ways in which to work it.

If you want a chic Parisian look this season try it with a tailored jacket, a bowler hat and Derby shoes. Very French, Madame.

I have yet to verify this trend rumour and see if all these items are actually lining shop displays (French stores are prohibited by law to open on Sundays), but I promise a full report on the french high street shops tomorrow.

Coco Avant Chanel

The French love their films and everyone loves Chanel.

This is why Coco Avant Chanel (Coco before Chanel) is on it's way to become the fashion film of 2009.

There is nothing more typically french than Audrey Tautou (Amelie) dressed as Coco Chanel.

And even if German Karl Lagerfeld is supervising the re-creation of certain clothes of the fashion house, the director, Anne Fontaine, is sure to keep the production in a French spirit while they are filming in Paris and Normandy.

The filming has started late, on the 15th of September, while the project was announced last May, and there is still no official release date (although it is expected to be late 2009).

However, the first production still is finally out, and the Amelie star looks stunning in a boyish suit and pose, that deliver well the strength of character of the woman who immortalised the little black dress and 'le smoking'.

Coco Chanel

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel (1883-1971) was a pioneer of modern women's fashion. Born in Saumur, France, she was trained as a seamstress in a Catholic orphanage.

This is probably was unleashed her determination.

She introduced woman's sportswear in 1913. In a post-war atmosphere, she later brought menswear-inspired styles into the mainstream.

Coco Chanel understood from the beginning what feminism taught the world much later: women are supposed to dress for themselves, not for men.

Because it is a French film, it is reasonable to expect a lot of artistic shots, quite a heavy dose of glamour, style and of course romance.

It might also be a long wait before we finally see it on a screen...