A rags-to-riches tale of glamour, turbulence, and blazing ambition

Trailblazer. Icon. A force to be reckoned with. Renowned French designer Gabrielle ‘Coco’ Chanel lived a life of light and dark, glamour and controversy, but always as she alone intended. Amidst the glitz and dynamism of Jazz Age Paris, the firebrand businesswoman redefined the world of fashion and created stylish clothing for a new generation of modern women who were ambitious, intelligent, and rebellious. Her iconic little black dress and bouclé jackets and skirts are now classic style staples seen all over the world. More than a century later, her legacy continues.

Acclaimed Belgian-Colombian choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa delves into the creativity, triumph, immorality, and dark opportunism of Chanel’s complex life from orphan to fashion legend in this full-length narrative ballet steeped in realism and beauty. Featuring an original score by Peter Salem, elegant sets and costumes by the award-winning Jerome Kaplan, and artistic collaboration by Nancy Meckler, this evocative ballet explores one woman’s elusive rise to the top at any cost.

Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon is a co-production between Queensland Ballet, Hong Kong Ballet and Atlanta Ballet, first performed in Hong Kong, China, on 24 March 2023.