"Once And Forever" - a short film by Karl Lagerfeld starring Kristen Stewart as Coco Chanel

Karl Lagerfeld & Kristen Stewart

Geraldine Chaplin

Once and Forever is a movie about a movie - an important detail to keep in mind as you watch Kristen Stewart throw fits, yell and be very difficult. Kristen Stewart traded in the werewolves and vampires for couture in this biopic about Gabrielle Chanel. Her character is supposed to be "challenging." Geraldine Chaplin, who plays an older Coco Chanel is absolutely flawless and delivers some of the best lines in the short film.  

Karl Lagerfeld premiered Once and Forever as the prelude to his recent Métiers d'Art runway collection.

If you have eleven minutes, Once and Forever is well worth the watch! 

fashionado

Raf Simons Dior and I

Raf Simons is introduced to Dior staff.

Christian Dior Atelier.

Raf Simons

I've been writing about Dior and I since before its release and [as usual] I miss every movie and documentary I'm interested in watching. Dior and I came and went and I missed out, until now. Thank you Netflix!

[I finally] watched Dior and I, from the comfort of my sofa, about a week ago and I'm still thinking about it. It moved me. Raf Simons moved me. It makes his departure from Dior last Fall very upsetting [to me] because from the perspective of the film, he was beginning to adjust and Dior was doing quite well with Raf at the helm.

Dior and I takes us on a frenzied journey through the creation of an haute couture collection. But not just any collection - this was Raf Simons' first collection as the artistic director for Christian Dior and his very first couture collection ever. He had only eight weeks to create and produce a collection and runway show where ALL eyes would be on him. This was a very stressful, under-pressure situation for him. Or anyone, really.

One of the most interesting "topics" of the documentary was the question of minimalism. There is a difference between modernity and minimalism; they are not the same. However, coming from Jil Sander, Raf Simons was immediately pegged as a minimalist when all he wanted to do was express a modern approach to a legendary label. Watching and listening to him speak on the topic was an important and revealing part of the film. Suddenly, everything made sense.

The collection itself was stunning but the images, including the ones published by me, did not do justice to the garments. The richness of the textiles and the intensive labor involved are captured well in Dior and I. Also, photos can't compare to watching this collection in high-definition movement. So absolutely exquisite.

It is undeniable that Raf Simons is an enormous talent. I enjoyed watching his creativity unfold and at the same time felt his stress and frustration - something the film did well to convey. By the end of Dior and I, you feel like you know this man. And watching Raf Simons get emotional was very moving indeed. I couldn't help but to cry along with him. Dior and I did an excellent job of conveying his humanity as well.

I urge you to watch Dior and I, or even better, like me, own it! I'll most definitely be watching Dior and I again.

fashionado

VIKTOR LUNA SS16 X LAVERNE COX

For Spring Summer 2016, Viktor Luna reveals yet another way of crafting modern fashion in his collection, NEW ERA. One cannot design for the future without looking to the past; in this case, the Sumerians served as a point of reference, with a signature integration of a futuristic, urban edge. Metallics and high-gloss finishes conjure a feeling of glamour and electricity present in the 1970’s disco age. Tailored leather jackets layer atop multidimensional sartorial vesture. Pleated liquid lame is present in conceptual gowns as the technique cascades into more ready-to-wear styles, such as skirts and trench coats for both men and women.

This season, Luna creates a collaborative art film with Director, Sophy Holland, featuring the artists and performers who have supported his brand throughout his career. Names such as Laverne Cox, Jackie Cruz, Jonte Moaning, Leo Pelligrino and Samantha Diaz make appearances, alongside models such as Trevor Shapiro and Ashley Kolodner. [Laverne Cox fans] this video is everything! Great energy, choreography, music, cameos by Viktor Luna himself and of course, amazing fashion & style!

Spring Summer 2016 will also mark the first season that Viktor Luna will be showcasing accessories, collaborating with leading footwear designer Zach Lo and celebrity eyewear designer A-Morir. The collection will be available in November 2015 on www.viktorluna.com and select retailers. Each piece in the collection is hand crafted at Viktor Luna’s NYC-based atelier.

Custom orders can be placed online at: www.viktorluna.com/shop.

fashionado