We speak exclusively to Dior and I director Frédéric Tcheng about the fashion film of the year, out 27th March…
Ever wondered what actually goes on behind the seams in one of the world's most esteemed couture ateliers? Well, you’re in luck as powerful new feature-length documentary (landing in cinemas on 27th March) will give audiences an access-all-areas pass into the world of Christian Dior.
Following artistic director Raf Simons as he produced his first-ever haute couture collection for the label back in 2012, Dior and I will chronicle the build-up to the biggest day in the designer's career. This was one of the most hotly anticipated designer debuts ever, and the pressure was totally on Simons to deliver. Spoiler alert; he does so with exquisite statement jewels on.
Director Frédéric Tcheng (the man who brought us Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel and Valentino: The Last Emperor) captures all the beauty and drama of the design process as the collection comes together. Eight weeks to design a whole collection, instead of the usual six month season? 'Ooh la la la la,' the very handsome and very shy Raf deadpans to camera. No pressure, then...
'I have an idea, but it is very extreme,' he pronounces. Cue a few tears, some frenzied speed-sewing and the making of the most elaborate floral show set you’ll ever see (fashion's favourite florist Mark Colle used over a million fresh cut flowers to cover the walls).
But also expect insights into the stunning craftsmanship, intricate beadwork and razor-sharp tailoring skills that make Raf and his team one of the best in the business.
See all the stunning behind-the-scenes images in the gallery above...
'Raf initially said no to the film,' director Frédéric tells us exclusively. 'He didn't want to deal with a camera at such a heightened time. I can't blame him. Then I think his principles loosened when we met in person. For the rest of the shooting Raf was surprisingly cooperative. He never had a big 'turn the camera off' tantrum like Valentino (when we were filming Valentino: The Last Emperor).'
'I very quickly developed an emphatic rapport with Raf. Perhaps we have similar personalities, but in any case, it was natural for me to imagine how he felt. I think this sense of empathy - along with a strong connection to the atelier - is what drove the film.'
'Initially I was just fascinated by Raf's personality and his approach to fashion, which seemed to signify a very contemporary moment in culture. But I think I realised in hindsight that the story of Raf and Dior was a way for me to talk about my own creative process. Fashion and film follow very similar patterns as art forms - they're collaborative in essence and there's a tension with an idea of commerce.'
Now three years into his tenure at the helm, we of course know that Dior and I has a happy ending for Raf and the team. (See the SS15 couture collection, here.) But for pure fashion drama and an inside look at the beauty of the beast, this is one fashion film you absolutely cannot miss.
Watch the Dior and I trailer below...
Dior and I is released at UK cinemas on 27th March 2015. For more information visit www.diorandImovie.com