FASHION FILMS

While it is a beautiful spring day in Vancouver, I am remaining inside. Certainly, some have chosen to go for walks evading the nearing passerby. However, living in the downtown core it is difficult to social distance and because of my household risks we have chosen complete isolation. During this time I have found keeping yourself occupied is a great idea. Therefore I've been reading, writing, and watching tv and movies. Equally important is keeping contact with friends and family by phone and social media.

I am a film lover! During these difficult times, we are all searching for that few minutes to escape this grim reality. While films are a great source of entertainment, I'm all about documentaries. Certainly, there are a lot of fashion films, so listed here are a few of my favorites;

FASHION FILMS

DIOR AND I 

http://www.diorandimovie.com/

 I love this beautiful documentary. While this film does not tell the story of Christian Dior ( my post on Dior).it brings the viewer inside the storied world of the Christian Dior fashion house. It is a privileged, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons' first haute couture collection. Melding the everyday, pressure-filled components of fashion with mysterious echoes from the iconic brand's past, the film is also a colorful homage to the seamstresses who serve Simons' vision.

Winner of the Documentary Special Jury Award at the Seattle International Film Festival. Nominated for Best Documentary Feature at the Tribeca Film Festival.

FASHION FILMS

WOMEN HE'S UNDRESSED

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Women_He%27s_Undressed

If you are a fan of old Hollywood films like I am, you must have seen the credit role by many times "Gowns By Orry-Kelly". Since much of my career was spent as a costume designer I always watch for the costume designer credit. Certainly, Orry-Kelly is one of my personal favorites. He was known for the sophisticated glamour that I often write about.

Orry-Kelly was an Australian-American costume designer to Hollywood stars in the three decades between the ‘30s and ‘60s. He was the man behind some of the most iconic old-Hollywood stars and the glamourous movies they starred in. If you’ve ever seen Casablanca, An American in Paris, Oklahoma, or Some Like it Hot, you’ve seen his incredible craftsmanship. This film follows his incredible life, friendship with Cary Grant, Bette Davis, and other starlets while exploring what it was like to be a gay man in Hollywood at this time.

FASHION FILMS

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/review/manolo-boy-who-made-shoes-lizards-1038905

MANOLO: THE BOY WHO MADE SHOES FOR LIZARDS

 Darlings this is a fantastic film. I can't think of Manolo Blahnik without thinking of the scene in "Sex in the City" where Carrie gets mugged for her Manolo's. "Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards" is the in-depth portrait of legendary fashion designer Manolo Blahnik and his extraordinary dedication to his craft. His exceptional talents led him to become the world’s most famous luxury shoemaker, revered by celebrities, stylists, and industry icons for generations.

FASHION FILMS

http://www.firstmondayinmay.com/

THE FIRST MONDAY IN MAY

FASHION FILMS

https://bleeckerstreetmedia.com/mcqueen

McQUEEN

Since fashion is a passion for me I am often drawn to people that share that passion. However, I have rarely experienced a more passionate person than Alexander McQueen. This moving documentary looks at the legacy of Lee A McQueen, the mercurial, anti-establishment fashion designer better known as Alexander McQueen. Co-directed by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui, it divides his life into chapters or “tapes” titled after his most iconic collections. It’s a thrill to relive McQueen’s shows, from Jack the Ripper Stalks His Victims to Highland Rape and Plato’s Atlantis. Their theatrics have a tense, cinematic quality, only helped by Michael Nyman’s twisting, needling score.

FASHION FILMS

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http://www.dianavreeland-film.com/

DIANA VREELAND THE EYE HAS TO TRAVEL

If you are a fashion lover you must make yourself familiar this fashion icon of mine and many others Diana Vreeland. In fact, I have just re-read her book "D.V." by Miss Vreeland.

This elegant, highly entertaining portrait of the influential American socialite and fashionista Diana Vreeland (1903-89), editor of Harper's Bazaar (1937-62) and Vogue (1962-71) and head of the costumes department at the Metropolitan Museum, is directed by her grandson's wife. It contains much rare archive footage, interviews with, among others, her two handsome, ageing sons, and clips from Stanley Donen's Funny Face, in which Kay Thompson plays a version of the flamboyant Vreeland, and Fred Astaire impersonates her favourite photographer, Richard Avedon. It's informative and not uncritical, touching as it does in an affectionate manner on her authoritarian personality and her somewhat cavalier attitude towards matters of fact and the history of fashion.

FASHION FILMS

While none of us are thrilled with staying inside and isolated, there are some things we can do to pass our time. First, if you are fashionista (fashionisto) you can watch some of these great fashion documentaries. Most of these films I have watched several times and each time gain some more knowledge. Certainly, these are just a few of the great fashion documentaries that are out there. While these films are true fashion stories, next time I will look at the great fictional fashion films. Enjoy and stay safe. Please give your feedback or just drop a line to say hi. Moreover, something good can come out of this isolation, reach out to others through comments and social media we can all build a stronger fashion community. Therefore here are my social media links, please check them out and share your links.

LOOKING FORWORD TO HEARING FROM YOU !

FACEBOOK

 https://www.facebook.com/jandrewspeaks

INSTGRAM

https://www.instagram.com/jandrewspeaks/

WHATS HOT

"Isolated Elegant Chic" Tops

Darlings, I think I can safely say you won't be needing a new ball gown any time soon. However, while we are secluded in the isolation of our homes we can think about fashion in a new way. Certainly, you can spend the time lounging in your jammy's and robe, but is this how you want to spend what could be several months?
During the first week of isolation, I found the novelty of the situation had me staying all day in the clothes that normally hang on the back of the bathroom door. However, what I found was my productivity was extremely low, I always work from home so what was the difference? In fact, it is partially physiological, having to stay at home is totally different than choosing to stay at home. Furthermore, I always make it out during the day, my daily walks, visit the coffee shop, shopping and taking shots for my Instagram. Therefore I've decided to elevate my wardrobe to what I call "Isolated Elegant Chic".
While many are working from home the great equalizer is Zoom. I had a meeting the other day and of course, dressed for the occasion. First, a meeting on Zoom may well make us focus more on what we are wearing, at least on top! Imagine you're sitting in your panties wearing your favorite"Isolated Elegant Chic" top! Of course, we all want to make a great impression. Therefore darlings I've partnered with my favorite retailers to bring you the best "Isolated Elegant Chic"tops.

  Nili Lotan Lleida micro leopard silk top

Leopard print has always been chic ! In fact this timeless style will be a part of your wardrobe for years to come !

Alexis Phineas blouse - White

White, crisp, ruffled and certainly chic. Here this classic white top will take you to that Zoom meeting and back !

click image to shop

Versace Vitrus Barocco-print Tee Shirt

First things first, you want to make an impact go bold ! Here this classic Versace Tee will photograph great.

Zoom in !

click image to shop

L'Agance draped blouse

A black blouse is a strong statement piece that you need in your wardrobe. Here this draped top is great look.

click image to buy

IRO Floral Print Blouse

Here this floral with a black background stands out as a perfect piece to Zoom into your next meeting. Certainly, a strong contrast of the black and pink gives this top vitality and elegance.

click image to shop

Pinko-Striped-Ruffled top.

Certainly black and white are a go to combination. Furthermore stripes are eye-catching, conspicuous and striking, therefore when you merge the two you have a stunning and memorable image.

Ciao for now J. Andrew