Shirley MacLaine at the "Coco Chanel" premier.

ABC News correspondent Cynthia McFadden discusses the role of Coco with Shirley MacLaine.

Last night marked the world premier of Lifetime’s upcoming presentation, “Coco Chanel,” the story of the troubles and triumphs of an icon in fashion history. Joseph Urban Theatre housed the event, filling hundreds of seats with some of the fashion industry’s most crucial players.

As in any event, the evening kicked off with a social event for guests to eat, drink and be merry. Following the hors-d’oeuvres was an interview with ABC’s own Cynthia McFadden and Academy Award winning actress, Shirley MacLaine. MacLaine humorously commented on her experience playing the infamous cavalier, Coco Chanel, and left the guests in stitches over her farewell: “Goodnight, enjoy the bitch.”

The film itself was a bit of a letdown in comparison to MacLaine’s enchanting description of the role. The audience expected scenes filled with dazzling garments, couture fashion and the industry’s drama. What they got, however, was cliche love scenes in the snow, awful French accents and sappy quotes about determination. Sorry Coco, but I think what we wanted was a little more of your couture fashion and a little less of your relationship passion!

 On a lighter note, Shirley MacLaine performed phenomenally as the wicked fashion witch and stirred constant laughter with her sarcasm and believable arrogance.

“Coco Chanel,” starring Shirley MacLaine, premiers on Lifetime on September 13, 2008 8:00ET. If you don’t mind a bit of sap and want to journey through the life this fashion icon, you and your television have got a date!

Thanks Zimbio!