Coco Chanel's experiences on the French Riviera and the era of Nazi occupation. The transformation of the Riviera from a winter retreat to a luxurious summer resort. The early life of Coco Chanel and her breakthrough into the fashion world. The impact of World War II on the Riviera and contrasting lifestyles and human behavior in the face of German invasion.
The podcast explores the extravagant lifestyles and social gatherings on the French Riviera during the interwar years, showcasing the grandeur and high life of the region.
Coco Chanel's groundbreaking designs and love for simplicity revolutionized the fashion industry, but her controversial legacy includes anti-Semitic sentiments and collaboration during the war.
Deep dives
Overview of the Podcast Episode
This podcast episode explores the rich and complex history of the French Riviera during the interwar years and the era of Nazi occupation. The episode begins with a discussion of the Riviera's transformation into a summer resort, attracting the wealthy, film stars, and even exiled royalty. It delves into the extravagant lifestyles and social gatherings that took place, showcasing the grandeur and high life of the region. The focus then shifts to the legendary fashion designer Coco Chanel, her upbringing, breakthrough in fashion, and the creation of her iconic perfume, Chanel No. 5. The episode also addresses Chanel's controversial legacy and her collaboration during the war, including her relationship with a German officer. Alongside Chanel's story, the episode touches on the experiences of Jewish refugees and the contrasting acts of kindness and treachery they encountered during the occupation. The podcast highlights the contrasting aspects of human behavior, from the glamorous and hedonistic to the devastating and heroic, that characterized this tumultuous period in history.
The Glamorous Lifestyle of the French Riviera
The French Riviera in the 1930s was a playground for the rich and famous, attracting grand dukes, film stars, Maharajas, and other wealthy individuals. The area evolved from a winter retreat to a popular summer resort, marked by beautiful fishing villages, luxurious villas, and exquisite restaurants. The region offered an idyllic bubble for the wealthy, where they could enjoy the sunny weather, fine dining, and luxurious amenities. Personalities like Somerset Maugham, H.G. Wells, and Lord Rothermere were regular residents in the area, known for their lavish lifestyles and extravagant parties. The episode paints a picture of a world characterized by high life and low morals, where socializing, leisure activities, and indulgence were the norm.
Coco Chanel: From Humble Beginnings to Fashion Icon
Coco Chanel, the renowned fashion designer, had a challenging upbringing, being abandoned by her parents and spending several years in an orphanage. However, her early experiences shaped her love for simplicity, orderliness, and elegance. Chanel's breakthrough in the fashion industry came with her innovative designs and keen eye for spotting trends. She introduced elements such as cotton jersey, which had never been used before, and emphasized comfort and freedom of movement in her clothing. Chanel's signature style revolved around simplicity and classicism, primarily using a color palette of black, white, cream, navy, and gray. She also popularized costume jewelry and strings of pearls. Additionally, the episode discusses Chanel's immense success with her iconic perfume, Chanel No. 5, which revolutionized the fragrance industry and became a worldwide sensation.
Chanel's Controversial Legacy and Collaboration during the War
While Chanel's contributions to fashion and perfumery were significant, her legacy is not without controversy. The episode highlights Chanel's anti-Semitic sentiments, which were prevalent during that time in France. Despite her vocal anti-Semitism, Chanel managed to escape prosecution after the war due to her powerful connections and the perception that she had aided the Allied cause. During World War II, Chanel lived on the French Riviera, engaging in a relationship with a German officer named Baron von Dincklage. However, her collaboration with the Germans is described as horizontal collaboration, as she focused on her personal relationships rather than actively participating in political activities. The episode explores the motivations and choices underlying Chanel's behavior during this tumultuous period.
As AppleTV+ new drama The New Look hits our screens, we revisit this classic episode surrounding one of the series' central characters – fashion icon Coco Chanel. Speaking to Elinor Evans in 2020, writer and journalist Anne de Courcy discussed Chanel's experiences – alongside those of some other famous faces – on the French Riviera during the interwar years and the era of Nazi occupation.
The HistoryExtra podcast is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine.
