Fashion & Beauty

Keira Knightley to play Chanel in Lagerfeld’s film Once Upon a Time…

Keira Knightley to play Chanel in Lagerfeld’s film Once Upon a Time…

Keira Knightley has been cast as the eminent Gabrielle “Coco” Chanel in Karl Lagerfeld’s latest short film. Titled Once Upon a Time… the black and white film celebrates 100 years since the opening of the first Chanel shop in the luxurious style haven of Deauville, on the French coast. The trailer offers a sneak preview of vintage cars, chipper soundtrack and fabulous fashions that fill the film.

As with many previous Lagerfeld productions, expect a clever story-line and, with plenty of Chanel pearls and jewels, a little poetic (or designer’s) license on the fashions of the day. “Invented reality,” Lagerfeld declared whilst on set with WWD (Women’s Wear Daily). Lagerfeld designed the beautiful yet simple cream pieces worn by Knightley and Clotilde Hesme, whilst the rest of the cast were dressed in historically accurate clothes. Characters in the film include members of the French bourgeoisie, which adds to the atmosphere of the location, alongside fashion forward actress Eve Lavallière, played by Tallulah Harlech, Sébastien Jondeau as a famous boxer of the time, and Clotilde Hesme cast as Chanel’s close friend and Aunt, Adrienne.

Taking the label back to its early stages at the turn of the 20th century, Lagerfeld recreates one of Chanel’s first boutiques on a street in the French seaside town of Deauville inside the Cité du Cinéma studios, just outside Paris. Along with 100 extras, the cast includes models and Chanel favourites Stella Tennant, Jake Davies, Baptiste Giabiconi and Brad Kroenig, who, Lagerfeld noted, didn’t deliver their lines as naturally as Knightley. Initially thinking it would be a silent film, Knightley told WWD: “Karl Lagerfeld stage manages the actors in a truly direct way,” after receiving her lines moments before filming began.

Hollie Bracciale
Photos: Courtesy of Chanel (Olivier Saillant)

Watch the trailer for  Once Upon a Time… here:

More in Fashion & Lifestyle

Caroline Gardner

Inject some colour into your home with Caroline Gardner’s gorgeous new spring collection

Alexandra Davis

Discovering Smart Dental & Aesthetics, Marylebone’s newest clinic for beautiful smiles

Rebekah Absalom

The top picks from Lush’s new Easter collection

Alexandra Davis
Monica Vinader

Nine timeless gifts for her from luxury jewellery brand Monica Vinader

Alexandra Davis

The top four luxury fragrances to spoil your mum with this Mother’s Day

Alexandra Davis

Everything you need to know about Korean skincare, from Then I Met You founder Charlotte Cho

Alexandra Davis

Three must-visit London restaurants to treat your mum this Mother’s Day

Alexandra Davis

The ultimate Mother’s Day gift guide

Alexandra Davis

The six hottest beauty launches you need to try this month

Alexandra Davis