Based on Edmonde Charles-Roux's biography, "L'irreguliere: Ou, Mon itineraire Chanel", the story focuses on Chanel's transformation from the orphaned Gabrielle Chanel to Coco Chanel, one of the world's most famous fashion designers.

Life Story: Coco Chanel

Amelie actress Audrey Tautou stars in the lead role, while American actor Alessandro Nivola plays Arthur "Boy" Capel, her English love interest.

"Any woman who wants to invent a destiny for herself can identify with the early years of Coco Chanel, a young uneducated woman who dreams of entering the world while exacerbating her differences and ignoring everything of the extraordinary destiny awaiting her," said Tautou last year.

Of the French actress's portrayal of Coco Chanel, International Herald Tribune fashion editor Suzy Menkes wrote, "Ms. Tautou turns in a star performance of moods from truculence to the delirium of love."

The film is scheduled for release next week in France and Belgium, while an Australian release is expected in the coming months.

Watch the French trailer

Photo: Didier Messens/WireImage.com