Coco Before Chanel

Gabrielle Chanel and her sister Adrienne are left at an orphanage in Aubazine by their father. Each Sunday, Gabrielle dreams of his return, symbolizing her hope and innocence, but he never comes back, marking the beginning of their challenging lives.

Years later, Gabrielle works as a seamstress in a local bar during the day and performs as a cabaret singer at night. Alongside Adrienne, they entertain patrons with songs about a lost dog named 'Coco', navigating the dangers of their perceived roles as courtesans.

Both sisters catch the attention of affluent older men, with Adrienne attracting a baron and Gabrielle drawing the interest of an aristocrat named Balsan. This marks a pivotal change in their lives, as they become entangled in the lives of the Paris elite.

Gabrielle decides to leave Paris and move to Balsan's countryside estate, deepening their romantic relationship. As she embraces this new life, she seeks independence and begins to explore her creativity in fashion.

While at Balsan's estate, Gabrielle develops a love for horse riding, which fuels her desire to innovate women's fashion. She designs revolutionary trousers for women, challenging the societal norms of her time.

Gabrielle forms a friendship with actress Emilienne within Balsan's social circle. This connection inspires her to start a career designing hats and dresses, as she rebels against the restrictive fashions of the day.

During a playful seaside outing in Normandy, Gabrielle meets Arthur Capel, a younger self-made English businessman. He captures her heart and supports her ambitions, adding complexity to her relationship with Balsan.

As Gabrielle's relationship with Capel flourishes, Balsan, feeling threatened, proposes marriage to Gabrielle in an attempt to reclaim her affection. Gabrielle courageously declines, asserting her independence and desires.

In a desperate move to win Gabrielle back, Balsan reveals to her that Capel is already engaged in England. Despite this shocking news, Gabrielle remains undeterred and continues her affair, defining her own path.

Gabrielle's unique talent in fashion begins to shine as Capel encourages her to express her vision. She emphasizes a modern representation of women’s fashion that prioritizes freedom and self-determination over traditional standards.

Realizing that her financial independence relies on Capel's guarantees, Gabrielle boldly decides to confront the bank herself. This decisive moment cements her commitment to self-reliance and marks a turning point in her career.

Tragedy strikes when Arthur Capel dies in a car accident, leaving Gabrielle devastated. This loss challenges her resilience but also propels her forward in her relentless quest for independence and self-expression in fashion.

The film closes with Gabrielle, now known as Coco, reflecting on her journey while wearing one of her iconic tailleurs. She observes models showcasing her creations, embodying the impact of her work and her legacy in the fashion world.

The film’s title, 'Coco avant Chanel', signifies the dawn of her transformative journey in fashion. It underscores the significance of her struggles and triumphs before becoming a legendary fashion icon.