>> Chanel is really looking to increase their profile through the movie route. Another film based on some portion of Coco Chanel's life has been announced: Chanel et Stravinsky, l'Histoire Secrete.

Last year, three films focusing on Coco Chanel were under way — Coco avant Chanel, starring Audrey Tautou as the designer before she became famous, is now currently filming; Director Daniele Thompson's Chanel biopic is still in the early stages, with a projected 2009 release date; and director William Friedkin's Coco & Igor, focusing on Chanel's love affair with Igor Stravinsky, is still in development.

Marina Hands has been lined up to play Coco opposite Mads Mikkelsen as Stravinsky in Coco & Igor; however, Friedkin is no longer listed as director — which brings us to the fourth, and newest, movie: Chanel et Stravinsky, l'Histoire Secrete. It, like Coco & Igor, is focusing on the relationship between Chanel and Stravinsky, and has Mads Mikkelsen playing the composer, but Anna Mouglalis is set to play Chanel, with Jan Kounen in the director's role. Are these two movies the same movie?  Or are two studios just planning to go head to head?

Regardless, Chanel the brand wins in the end with all the publicity. A company spokeswoman confirmed that the house will be opening its doors to Chanel et Stravinsky's costumer, who Karl Lagerfeld will also be meeting with in coming weeks. Plus, it's worth noting that two of the women cast as Chanel have close ties to the house: Audrey Tautou is a face of the brand, and Anna Mouglalis is a muse to Karl.
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