Yesterday I was so excited to attend an afternoon screening of the highly anticipated documentary DIOR AND I downtown at the Film Forum. It is the latest offering from director/writer/producer Frédéric Tcheng who is known from his work on other great fashion based films. The movie covers an integral time of the famous French fashion house Christian Dior as they announced the appointment of their new Creative Director, RafSimons. The timing of Simons' appointment meant that he would have only 8 weeks to put together an entire haute couture collection, an undertaking that normally takes 4 to 6 months. Haute couture is a very serious thing, not to be taken lightly. The documentary provides an in depth behind the scenes look at the Belgian designer's artistic process, the business, and supplies plenty of humorous commentary from the dressmakers. I have been waiting impatiently for this film to debut for some time and thankfully, I was not disappointed.
Read moreCarine Roitfeld is Mademoiselle C
I was recently invited to attend a screening for this year's best Fashion documentary CARINE ROITFELD IS MADEMOISELLE C. The film, by Fabien Constant, follows Roitfeld as she embarked on a new career as creator of CR FASHION BOOK and the challenges she faced with starting a new magazine. Surrounded by friends and family, Roitfeld creates the most beautiful stories and dreams all while arguably becoming the chicest grandmother around. After only a few minutes of viewing, you will see that Roitfeld has a great sense of humor and a super cute son. As per requisite, a host of Fashion's major players make cameos and all lend their personal insight about Roitfeld. Bottom line, she is the stylist and editor we all want to be.
Afterwards, I was so very privileged to have been invited to a round table discussion with filmmaker Constant and the IRREVERENT CARINE ROITFELD. A small group of us waited impatiently as Roitfeld came in with trademark black eyeliner and her I just wake up like this hair. Constant sported a gray t shirt with the word Parisien emblazoned across the front and a serious mustache that reminded me of Freddie Mercury. She told us that she always has her family around and that having friends in Fashion is possible. Roitfeld is tired of the cliche about Fashion being pretentious and declared the filming therapeutic. Constant stated he wanted to tell a story about Carine, a story about the work that is behind the picture.
Everyone had questions for Roitfeld about the film and about the upcoming issue of CR FASHION BOOK, however there was only one query I could think of. "Who are you wearing?" The answer: a Celine white summer top and a knee length denim skirt from Mui Mui. She told me it was her summer uniform. Roitfeld is known for the exotic work she did with Tom Ford and you will see her push the envelope even further with CR FASHION BOOK. After all, a leopard can't change its spots. Expect some nudity.
A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO COHEN MEDIA GROUP
Diana Vreeland The Eye Has To Travel
"Exaggeration is my only reality."
- Diana Vreeland
Last Thursday night I attended the DIANA VREELAND THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL documentary at the Angelika Film Center. I just want to begin by saying if you have any interest in the history of Fashion, GO SEE THIS FILM. Put together by her estate, the film includes several family photos, past interviews, and commentary that includes her two sons. Vreeland was full of witty remarks and exaggerated advice and I think that's what made her so special. She understood the epic power that Fashion had over everyone. One can easily grasp how enchanting and charismatic a woman she was. You leave with a sense that you got a chance to know the real Diana Vreeland and a sadness that you didn't get to meet her in person.
The film chronicles her entire life from her birth in Paris to her consulting days at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Vreeland is so important because she wasn't just a Fashion editor, she was the Fashion editor, defining the role as we know it. She had a vision of modern beauty that was unique for her time. Watching the film, I couldn't help but wish she was my slightly eccentric grandmother who would often say inappropriate things and let me skip school to hang out at the Vogue offices. Instead of prom, she'd insist I attend the Costume Institue Gala in haute couture. Oh, I'm getting carried away again...
I will definitely be purchasing THE MOVIE ON DVD to add to my collection and watch it any time I feel like I need a Fashion pick me up. After the film, my night was completed by the best cup of hot chocolate I've ever had. Great movie and great hot chocolate. It was quite a perfect evening.