Queensland Ballet is set to mesmerise audiences this October with the Australian premiere of Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon, a full-length narrative ballet that unravels the captivating life of the iconic French designer Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel.
Set against the backdrop of Jazz Age Paris, this rags-to-riches tale, masterfully choreographed by acclaimed Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, brings to life the glamour, turbulence, and blazing ambition that defined Chanel’s journey from orphan to fashion legend.
Ms. Ochoa says it was the mystery of the woman behind the perfume, and her lifelong struggle for independence emotionally and financially, that drew her to the story. “There are a lot of things we don’t know about Chanel – she was very complex. I felt that before one buys her perfume, one should know who this woman was,” she said.
“She’s the first businesswoman who built a fashion empire. She worked tirelessly until the age of 87. Her fashion was art, and on top of that, it helped to liberate women into more comfortable clothes,” said Ms Ochoa.
Ms. Ochoa spent two years researching the French designer and worked closely with artistic collaborator Nancy Meckler to understand the humble beginnings, triumphs, moral complexities, and dark opportunism that shaped her life. She artfully wove this into a narrative ballet full of drama and heightened beauty.
Queensland Ballet’s Acting Artistic Director Greg Horsman said Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon is a must see for Brisbane audiences. “I was fortunate enough to see the world premiere in Hong Kong. It’s an excellent creation, well researched, deeply expressionistic and theatrical,” he said.
“Queensland Ballet is fortunate be able to work with Annabelle Lopez Ochoa, who is a prolific and award-winning choreographer in demand and creating works around the world,” said Horsman.
Visually stunning, with strong allusions to the world of Chanel couture, the elegant costumes and pared-back sets were designed by Paris-based designer Jérôme Kaplan and help to deliver captivating storytelling.
“There are so many things to say about Chanel’s life – her work, her fashion, her love affairs – that I felt it better to keep the set simple. Just like her style: simple, elegant, and minimalist.” says Mr Kaplan.
Queensland Ballet’s Head of Costume, Lauryn Jackson says the outfits are inspiring. “The costumes do a wonderful job of bringing the world of haute couture to life while expressing the atmosphere and period of the narrative,” she said.
“Importantly for our dancers, Jerome’s designs cleverly combine the unique challenge of complementing the physicality of the dancers while enhancing the grace and beauty of their movements. They’ve been a joy to work with,” said Jackson.
Ms Lopez Ochoa is well-known for producing ballets centred on strong, multifaceted women such as Frida Kahlo and Eve Perón, and does not shy away from exploring the darker elements of their characters.
In Chanel’s case this includes a romantic affair with Nazi spy Hans Günther von Dincklage who helped her continue a lavish lifestyle during Germany’s occupation of France in the Second World War. In light of this, and the frequent brandishing of cigarettes, a habit that was in vogue at the time, the ballet is recommended for audiences aged 15+.
Queensland Ballet has provided staff, dancers, and audience members with a range of educational resources about the Holocaust and the devastating impacts of antisemitism from the Queensland Holocaust Museum.
Ms Lopez Ochoa does not put Chanel on a pedestal, rather she explores the designer’s flawed, opportunistic, and determined character, her struggle to find emotional and financial independence, and her ultimate triumph.
“I find it gratifying to present a ballet with a theme that enlightens us about the evolution of the position of women in society,” said Ms Ochoa.
Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon
Playhouse Theatre – QPAC, Russell Street, South Brisbane
Season: 4 – 19 October 2024
Information and Bookings: www.queenslandballet.com.au
Image: Queensland Ballet presents Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon (supplied)