This was the very first ever film that told me more about Calvin Klein that I’ve ever known. It was ages ago when the Calvin Klein documentary aired on the Biography channel along side other stories about fashion designers. I watched them all then. Finding this movie was such a joy for it wasn’t just about the story, but the images, the footage – those elements that can instantly inspire and feed the mind. It took me a while to finally discover this treasure. I have missed it tremendously. And I cannot wait to share it with you today.
Photo source: Photographers & press at Calvin Klein show, Japan 1979 via Calvin Klein Tumblr
Once upon a time a girl called Arjumand Bano Begum was born. As the years went by the little child blossomed into a woman so beautiful that the poems were written about her. One day they reached the court of a young prince Khurram who was looking for his princess. The future shah was so mesmerised by the young Persian beauty that he fell in love with her at first sight. The couple married under the stars that promised them the most wonderful and happiest marriage. For the next 19 years they were inseparable and the story of their love and affection became a legend.
Mumtaz Mahal or the Jewel of the Palace as she was now referred to, was a loving and devoted wife, confidante and mother to the couple’s 14 children. Mumtaz followed her husband on his numerous travels and whenever the couple returned, she would spend some of her time in Shalimar, her favourite garden.
When Mumtaz died, Shah Jahan was so devastated by the loss, he went into secluded mourning. He returned a year later, his hair as white as snow and his heart – broken with grief. And then he began planning a resting place for her. The place that would show his love and devotion. The place that would give him peace.
Taj Mahal, a beautiful palace made of marble and precious stones, decorated with most gorgeous mosaics and carved flowers and surrounded by gardens took 22 years to complete. It became one of the architectural jewels of all times and the place where Shah Jahan joined Mumtaz Mahal after his death reuniting for eternity under the stars.
The perfume inspired by the tale was designed by Jacques Guerlain in 1921. In 2013 a short film, The Legende of Shalimar, starring Natalia Vodianova and directed by Bruno Aveillan was created to celebrate the fragrance and make the love story come alive, even if only for 5 minutes.
In 2010, six years after Gucci and YSL, Tom Ford revealed his first collection modelled by a glamorous cast of “many of the world’s most inspirational women” to 100 special attendees. This documentary is a peak into designer’s mind and a very interesting behind-the-scenes story – it will be your 40 minutes of fashion bliss, I promise.
Photo source: Vogue US December 2010, plus accompanying article
Last night I found a documentary I was absolutely unaware of. Seconds later the tiredness was forgotten and my bed time postponed. I had to watch it immediately.
If you saw The September Issue, you will enjoy this story directed by Christine Hall for BBC1 as a part of Boss Women series. The camera follows Anna Wintour as she works on the February issue of Vogue, travels to Paris and shares her memories and thoughts about fashion and life.
To me, this documentary felt more frank, more sincere – there was definitely less hype and more depth in it compared to the latest one. It made me like Anna even more. I found her, yet again, absolutely fascinating.
I found this documentary last weekend after a series of attempts to get the actual video. Truly precious, the movie is a story filmed during a fashion season while cameras are following Christy Turlington in New York, Milan and Paris capturing her life both on the catwalk and during a few seldom moments of peace and quiet. Enjoy and savour.
P.S. You may notice that part 7 is missing here. Unfortunately, I cannot watch or use it in the UK, however you may be able to see it directly on youtube – just use “watch it on youtube” button after you finish part 6.
In 1912 a new fashion house opened its doors at 222 Rue de Rivoli. That very year Madeleine Vionnet, the founder of Maison Vionnet, introduce the world to the bias cut - one of the most body loving shapes that was later favoured by most couture houses. Since then the house was formally closed in 1939 and then revived in 2006.
This autumn, just a few days ago, the House of Vionnet celebrated its 100th anniversary. There were a lavish party, a specially designed demi-couture 20 piece collection and a short movie directed by Alessandro Possati and inspired by Isadora Duncan who was Vionnet’s muse in the 1920s.
This November we will also be treated to a new book, Madeleine Vionnet by Issey Miyake and Betty Kirke – a scrumptious special edition hard-cover volume containing over 400 photos, sketches and patterns as well as a beautiful story about the designer herself.
This is one of my most recent finds that made me change my mind about writing a usual bio generously sprinkled with photographs. I always feel (and mentioned it several times in the past) that seeing a fashion show has an incredible power over our imagination and emotions – much stronger than any beautiful photo from a collection. Combined with a story told by Galliano himself as well as people who admire his talent turns this documentary into a precious gem. Enjoy this beautiful fashion moment…
Photo source: John Galliano’s inspiration board for Fall 2007 show via Numero No. 88 November 2007
