The Supreme Justice Potter Stewart famously said, “I know pornography when I see it.” Watching Coco avant Chanel I became less sure that I could identify in all instances of prostitution when I see it. Early in her adult life, Coco tracks an aristocrat to his country mansion and then exchanges sex for food, lodging, and social climbing. So we may ask: What is the big difference to her taking money for sex to pay rent a nearby apartment and cook her own food? The film follows Coco until she makes a big in the fashion world. Coco clearly was a trailblazer and I enjoyed watching her find her path. The most appealing feature of the film is its understated, classic style. The director managed to imbue entire film with the core of Chanel’s fashion sense.