The second half of 2009 is turning out to be the year that is capturing the fashion industry on film. Using fashion as the subject in movies has all the makings of a good story. Fashion involves the struggle of bringing the creative process of design to fruition by transforming sketches into garments, building an empty space into an arena of style and negotiating the relationships of all the people involved. Those employed in the fashion industry work under strict deadlines to meet the high expectations of their audiences – and remember this happens season after season for years.

The year of fashion on film began with the debut of Valentino: the Last Emperor in July, then The September Issue and now two movies depicting the life and times of fashion designer Coco Chanel. They are titled Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky and Coco Avant Chanel (Coco Before Chanel).

Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky will be making its North American premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) which runs from September 10 to 19, 2009. Out of the hundreds of films being shown at TIFF this year, I’m extremely excited to see this movie because it tells the story of two highly creative individuals who have an affair with one another; Coco Chanel the successful and wealthy fashion designer and Igor Stravinsky, the composer/conductor who “doggedly wrestles (with) his musical demons.”

There are currently three films depicting the life of Coco Chanel and another two are said to be on its way; one directed by Daniele Thompson and the other starring Demi Moore which is slated to be her return to the big screen. The number of movies drawing on the story of Chanel is the subject of more films than any other fashion designer in history, making her the favourite focus of filmmakers of the period.

Behind the scenes of Coco Chanel (2008), starring Shirley McLaine and Barbora Bobulova

All three movies tell their own stories about Chanel – her struggles, successes and relationships with men. Audrey Tautou, who plays Chanel in Coco Avant Chanel describes the fashion designer; “Her life is so rich, and her personality so unusual, that the story of her life is far greater than simply being a story of fashion” (The Times) and thus representing the world’s unending fascination with the iconic designer.