Meet the Characters in Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon
The ballet Coco Chanel: the Life of a Fashion Icon is based on historical events that occurred during Gabrielle 'Coco' Chanel's life, featuring characters who are inspired by real people. Learn about the lead characters below.
Images supplied by Hong Kong Ballet and Atlanta Ballet.
Coco Chanel
Our complex protagonist, is guided and observed throughout the ballet by Shadow-Chanel, her future self.
Logo
Performed by two dancers, symbolizes the famous interlocking ‘double C’ Coco Chanel logo.
Etienne Balsan
Wealthy heir who helped Chanel open her first store in Deauville, France and introduced her to Parisian high society.
Arthur Edward “Boy” Capel
Financed Chanel’s first shops in Paris and was the love of her life. Their affair lasted nine years until his death. In Act II, Boy Capel’s spirit wears grey.
Pierre Wertheimer
Jewish director of the Bourgeois perfume company, provided the capital to launch Chanel No. 5 and later defied Chanel’s attempts to take control of the company.
Igor Stravinsky
Russian composer of The Rite of Spring, had a short-lived affair with Chanel, who was a silent donor to the Ballet Russes.
Baron von Dincklage
A Gestapo spy who met and lived with Chanel during the German occupation of Paris, gave her access to high-level Nazi officials.
