There's fashion film, and there's Fashion Film. Most fashion films are essentially a moving image fashion shoot. A lot feel quite amateur to the eye, or akin to a dreamy perfume advert. But we have to accept this form of fashion media is still in its infancy. The best kind of fashion film jolts you into a deeper appreciation of the clothes than can be gained from a still shoot. The recent Lanvin campaign by Steven Meisel managed to work both ways. Also noteworthy is the excellent work created by Mr Porter over the summer. I loved the Amsterdam Cyclists one, as it was so direct in its fashion message while being totally honest.
Now, onto Bella Freud, perhaps British Fashion's ultimate hipster. I'm a long-term fan of Bella's ouevre and ethos, and I have always absolutely adored her totally original jumpers. They are quite possibly the best jumpers in the world. Even more appropriate now as jumpers are wildly fashionable for Fall/Autumn. I've been wanting a Ginsberg is God one for years, but they were rare pieces in their heyday, and eventually Bella took them out of production so I forgot about them until last week when a little bird told me there are some available from Bella's archive.
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| from Bella Freud.co.uk |
When I heard Bella was making a short film to showcase her Fall/Autumn range starring the delectable Susie Bick with current supermodel Abbey Lee Kershaw accompanied by Nick Cave music, I was suitably intrigued. I didn't make the premier party last week as I had to attend a business dinner with the wife, but needless to say Kate Moss-Hince was there to watch it with the London party crowd and it looked like a fun night.
It took a wee while, but at last I have the short film, Submission, here on the blog for your viewing pleasure. The film is the result of a collaboration between Freud and BAFTA award winning film maker Martina Amati, and I can see what the fuss was about. Gorgeous girls grappling each other to the floor as they practise Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in a knitwear range named "Fetish" created by Bella in collaboration with her best friend Christian Louboutin. Really, what more could you ask for?
Submission from ama on Vimeo.
Here's the crib sheet: ‘Submission’ is set in the world of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu where you learn to use your opponent’s strength to vanquish them. The unlikely winner engages us in her internal dialogue, remembering the moment in her childhood when she discovered how she wanted clothes to serve her as a protective armour. ‘Submission’ is a portrait of a group of unique women rolling on the mat in exclusive costumes. Here's an edited selection of the Fetish range, Christian Louboutin's drawings translate really beautifully onto the knits.
Love this one from the "Bowie" collection, £238, part of the SS11 range, and available at http://www.bellafreud.co.uk/
ENJOY THE FILM!
Tell me what you think of it...