missed this one at last year's international film festival
a film about fashion probably not high criteria at the time
but now on mainstream release and more viewing options
reviews also very positive particularly on rotten tomatoes
the opening scenes provide a brief history of christian dior
a voiceover telling us in the first person of his life's work
born in 1905 and coming to prominence at the end of ww2
his 'siamese twin' born in 1946 as his name becomes famous
this alter-ego being responsible for sudden fame and fortune
his elegant and feminine clothing designs perfect for the time
curvy and soft lines the opposite to the harshness of uniforms
huate couture - literally high dress-making - now understood
the intentional grainy and colourless footage then contrasted
modern day paris - we are now voyeurs at christian dior hq
their new creative director - raf simons is being introduced
he apologises for his bad french as he states his gratitude
being given the opportunity and honour to be at the label
then in turn introduces his 'right hand man' pieter muller
all warm and fuzzy so far - feeling well inside the circle
raf into the fray immediately with an 8 week countdown
that to the big presentation of the autumn-winter collection
the fully hand-made unique garments to be designed and made
an element of tension now in the mix as the workers are profiled
in particular - the 2 ladies in charge of the atelier - the workshop
both long-time and very dedicated employees - endearing too
other key workers introduced also - each taking on a garment
raf seen throwing a hissy-fit when garments are late for a preview
seems one of the ladies got called to new york to fix a garment
pragmatism kicking in - the client spends $300k a season
that the only time money is mentioned - dior are above that
though mind-boggling amounts thrown at the big show itself
a large vacant house is secured and each room filled with flowers
floor to ceiling walls of them - 50 people work 48 hours to construct
in another scene a model named esther is seen being auditioned
is this your first dior show - well yes - and my first ever show
she catches raf's eye so is selected - and a bit more tension
on the day he is first seen on the roof ready for a nervous vomit
but his director of communications calms him and on with the show
i sense we the audience are as nervous as most of the dior house
the invited guests arrive as do fans and the snapping papparazzi
sharon stone and jennifer lawrence spotted in the small audience
and the show begins - we are with raf at the base of the stairs
as he sends off each model up and into the various rooms
pretty spectacular actually - some stunning fashions seen
and impressive camera work - close-ups and slo-mo
of course it's all a great success and the tears flow
even more so when raf is seen with his mum and dad
just luverly - brought a smile to my dial - the end
credits rolling and another reminder of the music
noted throughout - very cool ambient electronica
very much added to the classiness of this fine film...
