Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel was born into humble circumstances in 1883. She learned to sew during her years in a Catholic orphanage in France. A skill which was foundational to her future success, fame and fortune.
Apparently, she acquired the pet name, ‘Coco’ while performing cabaret in Paris. Perhaps, that’s where she perfected her fundamental allure to powerful men. Her list of known lovers is impressive. Tragically, none led to marriage and children. She died alone.
Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon was a shared production between Hong Kong Ballet, Atlanta Ballet and Queensland Ballet. It premiered in 2023 in Hong Kong before travelling to Atlanta, USA in early 2024. This is its Australian premiere.
Curated by Li Cunxin AO, in his final year as Artistic Director, the production was created and choreographed by Belgian born, Annabelle Lopez Ochoa. Like her selected subject, Chanel, Annabelle is also a creative, talented beauty.
Chanel was aged 88 when she died in Paris in 1971. When the ballet commences, Chanel is in her late teens. A humble being. At the conclusion, she is an elderly but still elegant woman. Throughout the performance, her future self shadows unfolding events.
Coco Chanel lived a long life through two world wars where much of the fighting took place in France. I had anticipated that her controversial affair with a Gestapo spy would be omitted from the balletic narrative. I was wrong. The romance was blatantly declared with Chanel remorseless in a scarlet gown.
When Chanel emerged as a designer, women still wore corseted, floor length gowns with mutton sleeves and rode side saddle. They wore hair buns and huge hats.
Chanel’s first fashion endeavour was to create clothing for women which was not restrictive. Corsets were ousted and women wore loose fitting, shorter dresses and cropped hair. We all remain eternally thankful for her foresight.
Formerly the colour of mourning, Chanel forever made black look classy and seductive. We have her to thank for our wardrobe staple, the little black dress. Thank you also for trousers.
Black and white became the signature colours of Chanel’s collection, worn with ropes of pearls.
Incredibly, every item of haute couture attire created by Chanel remains timelessly beautiful and unaffordable. Likewise, her famous fragrance and anything bearing the logo she also created.
Under the guidance of gifted dancer, choreographer and Acting Artistic Director, Greg Horsman, Queensland Ballet has weathered the sudden departure of Leanne Benjamin. The company continues to perform at world class level.
As he has shouldered additional responsibilities, Horsman’s has demonstrated an unswerving devotion to Queensland Ballet. It would make tremendous sense to formally appoint him as Artistic Director.
The success of this ballet in Brisbane is ensured. It was a packed house and all performances have already sold out. Bravo Queensland Ballet!
Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon
Playhouse – QPAC, Russell Street, South Brisbane
Performance: Friday 4 October 2024
Season continues to 19 October 2024
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandballet.com.au
Images: Neneka Yoshida as Coco Chanel and Kaho Kato as Shadow Chanel – photo by David Kelly | Neneka Yoshida as Coco Chanel, Patricio Revé as Boy Capel and D’Arcy Brazier as Etienne Balsan – photo by David Kelly
Review: Michele-Rose Boylan