audrey tautou to play coco chanel.

Ms. Tautou, you have indeed saved the day.

Just as I lost all hope that the life of Coco Chanel would never see an accurate on-screen portrayal — have you seen clips (I say clips because I couldn’t bear to sit through it) from the recent Lifetime movie staring Shirley McClaine (oh the horror!) as Chanel? — the alluring French actress, Audrey Tautou comes along, reviving the fashion maven’s story and my faith in casting. Tautou has just signed on to play Chanel in a forthcoming biopic (adapted from L’irreguliere by Edmonde Charles-Roux) slated for a 2009 release.

But wait, it gets better: Not only will it be a French-language film, but Karl Lagerfeld is going to recreate Coco’s original wardrobe! WHAT!? It’s my ideal trifecta — Ms. Tautou, French film, and a haute couture wardrobe. I cannot wait.

In the mean time, I suggest you educate yourself about the life of Gabrielle Chanel by reading my favorite bio of the fiery designer, Chanel: A Woman of Her Own by Axel Madsen. Pure enjoyment.

Read the film deets here.