Signé Chanel

Alternative title

House of Chanel, The

Synopsis

Originally made as a 5-part television series, the programmes go behind the scenes to follow the creation of Chanel’s Fall/Winter 2004-2005 Haute Couture collection, from Karl Lagerfeld’s first drawings to the cat walk show. Filmmaker Loic Prigent’s intimate access provides a humorous and detailed account of the highs and lows of this creative process and demonstrates the great skill and craft required to execute the designs. Gives an insight into the world of supremely skilled artisans, of the Premier Atelier, models, customers, Monsieur Massaro the bootmaker, embroiderers from the house of Lesage, and the Queen of Braid, Madame Pouzieux.

1. ANTICIPATION - We meet the staff at Chanel’s Rue Cambon HQ. They are putting the finishing touches to the Cruise Collection and eagerly await Karl Lagerfeld’s designs for the Haute Couture Collection.

2. DOUBTS - Some designs are posing real headaches and the staff battle to keep up with Karl Lagerfeld’s constant changes. We also meet Monsieur Massaro, the couture cobbler who learnt his trade at his father’s knee.

3. RITUALS - Observance of Old Dressmaker Lore is on the rise, along with stress levels and chocolate consumption. We are also introduced to Madame Pouzieux, Chanel’s celebrated braid maker, whose incomprehensible loom has defied many a would-be apprentice.

4. THE ALL-NIGHT VIGIL - Time is running out and Karl Lagerfeld has added more designs. Madame Pouzieux is at her loom, the embroiderers are working around the clock and the show is fast approaching. Will everything be ready in time?

5. THE COLLECTION - It’s show time. A terrific thunder storm breaks just as the VIPs are starting to arrive, while the politics of the seating plan and the late arrivals make for heavy weather inside. Is Karl ready for his public? And will they buy?


60 minutes of DVD extras includes: a history of haute couture; exclusive interview with Karl Lagerfeld; outakes

Language

English

Country

France

Year of release

2008

Year of production

2005

Notes

Broadcast in 6 weekly parts on BBC4 from 25/1/2006 in the Storyville series

Subjects

Arts and Humanities; Design

Keywords

Chanel, Coco; fashion design; fashion industries; Lagerfeld, Karl

Credits

Director

Loïc Prigent

Distribution Formats

Type

DVD

Format

Region 2 PAL

Price

£24.99

Availability

Sale

Duration/Size

142 minutes

Year

2008

Production Company

Name

ARTE France

Email

http://www.arteboutique.com/inputContact.action

Web

http://boutique.arte.tv/ External site opens in new window

Address

STACI
ARTE Boutique 1610
B.P. 59124 - 95074 Cergy Pontoise
France

Notes

An extensive range of programmes broadcast on the French Arte channel, relating to art and culture. Most are only available in French, but some have English audio or subtitles. Sale on Region 2 PAL DVD.

Distributor

Name

Quantum Leap

Notes

The company ceased trading in 2018. It was previously a distributor and online retailer specialising in non-fiction DVD titles on a wide variety of subjects, particularly in the areas of music instruction, music performance, sport instruction, and health. Some titles also available through retail outlets.

 

Available from retail outlets