The fashion world is a realm we read about, envy over and yearn to be a part of. The newest documentary Dior and I bridges the gap between this desire and our reality. Whilst providing insight into what it takes to run an entity like Dior, Frédéric Tcheng reminds us of how human the reverent heads of fashion really are.
Focusing on Raf Simons, the new director of the creative hub, the documentary chronicles his eight-week journey to piece together an entire collection which is normally done in double the time. The frank and grounded representation is a refreshing take on fashion and design.
Tcheng introduces everyone involved in the painstaking process, from seamstresses to salespeople – even to the middle-men. He takes the time to focus on these people as part of the process individually to give it that ‘extra’ human touch, and the doco effectively grasps and relays to us the excitement as well as exhaustion involved.
Excerpts from Dior’s journals are inserted and narrated throughout the film, providing a running thread of the designer’s message – carried on despite his passing in 1959. It also shows Simons’ facing the same emotional triumphs and turmoils encountered at the beginning of the legacy. This is a pure treat for all lovers of fashion, letting them enter ‘behind the scenes’ of beloved and exclusive world.
In execution, however, the film is about the many hands and heads that work together to realise Simons’ individual vision, which is itself beholden to the Dior brand.
By providing a glimpse behind the curtain of the fashion giant, it’s an exquisite and distinctive film that serves to give a personalised facade to a house that is legendary in its own right. By the time viewers see the runway at the end, their appreciation surpasses the dazzling and incredible attire and it becomes solely about admiration for the creation of each individual piece.
Released on March 25th, you can now view the documentary at varying cinemas across Australia, as well as other countries. All locations can be found at http://www.diorandimovie.com/australia.