FASHION’S BEST FILMS

BY: Andy Shoulders

Fashion films have definitely become the new outlet for designers to show their new collections. Until fully in-person fashion shows make their return (do we need them?), fashion films will be our new go-to of choice. Rather than examine the films highlighting the not-in-stores-yet Fall/Winter 2021 looks, let’s take a look at some of the best fashion films with looks you can find right now.

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

We recently celebrated famed designer Vivienne Westwood’s 80th birthday, and her latest fashion film for her Spring/Summer 2021 collection proves that she’s still (and always will) got it. In this high-spirited short film, the label shows off their classically unisex, English-tailored pieces on 8mm film. Against spunky, alternative music, the models showcase the collection which, true to Westwood form, puts an emphasis on sustainability. Highlights include prints based on paintings by none other than Chrissy Hynde, proving that all is never quiet on the Westwood front.

SALVATORE FERRAGAMO

Ferragamo’s Spring/Summer 2021 film was shot by director Luca Guadagnino in an eerily empty Milan back in August of last year. Heavily influenced by the films of Alfred Hitchcock, Creative Director Paul Andrew fashioned a wardrobe of resilience and beauty for his heroes and heroines. Even the color names in the collection show deference to the great director: Hedren Green, Vertigo Mauve, and Gull Grey.

MARNI

Marni showcased their Spring/Summer 2021 collection with an aptly-titled MARNIFESTO, which questions the meaning and purpose of a fashion show. It makes the case for decidedly not getting back to normal – in the fashion sense. Marni wants to refashion (get it?) the runways, models, venues, and shows themselves. Marnifesto contains live testimonials from over 40 individuals, shot by the subjects themselves, or their loved ones (those in their pod).

PRADA

For Prada’s perfectly titled Spring/Summer 2021 fashion film Multiple Views, five prominent image-makers and artists were invited to put their spin on the house’s summer collection. These talented individuals – Terence Nance, Joanna Piotrowska, Martine Syms, Juergen Teller, and Willy Vanderperre – all put their own observational stamp on Prada’s collection. The five-chapter show was developed to embrace and celebrate a diversity of opinion – a trademark Prada social statement if there ever was one.

JILL SANDER

Creative Directors Lucie and Luke Meier showcased Jill Sander’s Spring/Summer 2021 fashion show via a film shot by director Stephen Kidd. This collection is all about ease and elegance, with special attention paid to craftsmanship and timelessness. The film features music by Kelsey Lu, and shows models walking sans audience in a fast concrete-floored space, which speaks to the structured, sensual purity that the Meiers have so carefully crafted for the Jill Sander house.

MARINE SERRE

When was the last time a fashion show gave you nightmares? For Marine Serre’s Spring/Summer 2021 debut, the French designer doubles down on all things apocalyptic and went downright horror. The film, created in collaboration with directors Sacha Barbin and Ryan Doubiago, begins with a neutered & naked body lying on a table while Serre-clad figures begin to tattoo the figure with the designer’s signature crescent. Again, that’s just the beginning of the film. Marine Serre is betting that there’s a client base out there who want to face the horrors of the world head-on, rather than wait for it to get better.

MAISON MARGIELA

Creative Director John Galliano originally teamed with image extraordinaire and PROVOKR favorite Nick Knight to capture his creative process for Maison Margiela’s Fall/Winter 2020 collection. “Part Two” of this collaboration sees Galliano expand his behind-the-scenes vision for Spring/Summer 2021. Unveiled on the final day of Paris Fashion Week, the film stresses the themes of connectivity and the reliance people have on one another. Interestingly enough, Galliano conveys this connectivity through the tango. From the black-and-red color palette to the muslin & tulle dresses, the tango association is clear, and to be honest, we’d love any excuse to dance right about now.

CHANEL

Chanel’s Spring/Summer 2021 Haute Couture show is a sunny & intimate depiction of a bohemian-style wedding ceremony in the south of France. Only few in Chanel’s inner circle had the privilege of playing witness: Penelope Cruz, Marion Cotillard, and Vanessa Paradis to name just a few. Models parade past the lucky guests on a rose-petal-covered runway, with love songs like “Be My Baby” providing the perfect musical background. The main takeaway here is that, even for a haute couture show, the clothes shown here are actually really cool. It’s hard to make couture fit into real life, especially now, but this is a haute-couture wedding we want a one way ticket to immediately.