Paris, 1938. Coco Chanel and Elsa Schiaparelli ('Schiap') are fighting for recognition as the most successful and influential fashion designer in France, and their rivalry is already legendary. When Lily travels to Paris to visit her brother, he insists on buying her a couture dress for her birthday - a Chanel. But Lily is interested in Schiaparelli, not Chanel. Her brother's girlfriend, one of the most beautiful and prominent women in Paris, also begins wearing Schiap's designs as well, and soon much of Paris is following in her footsteps. Schiap takes an interest in Lily and offers the budding artist a job at her shop. Lily soon finds herself increasingly involved with Schiap and her personal war with Chanel.