July 8, 2020
Watch: The Bizarre and Beautiful From Paris Fashion Week
READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The world's top fashion houses have quickly reinvented themselves in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour doesn't even make a cameo in the newly released short films that attempt – with varying degrees of success – to capture the allure and inspiration of the forthcoming season's collections.
Here's a look at how three iconic brands have adapted their runway shows for digital screenings:
Christian Dior
Dior created a 10-minute short film, "Le Myth Dior," that whisks viewers away to a bizarre, "Alice in Wonderland"-inspired forest, complete with footmen, living statues and an albino mermaid. A peek into the atelier's workroom shows the madness behind the myth, all the while showcasing the allure of creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri. Directed by Italian filmmaker Matteo Garrone
Herm�s
The French fashion house went meta under the guidance of French theater director Cyril Teste for a film shoot that pulls back the curtain on the fashion world. There's not a whole lot to see, with a subdue men's collection in gray, blue and taupe, with an occasional pop of canary yellow. Several viewings reveal the intricacies of Teste's staging and direction. However, designer V�ronique Nichania doesn't offer much motivation to get out of the sweat pants we've been wearing for the past four months.
Chanel
Swedish photographer Mikael Jansson was tasked with bringing Chanel's fall 20-21 collection to life. Artistic director Virginie Viard maintains the brand's refined textile sensibility, imparting it with a wow factor that we're all craving these days. A hint of eccentricity infuses the silhouettes, which converge the 18th century with a touch of Betsy Johnson 80s flair. Embellishments reign supreme, as does a palate of fuchsia, oxblood and midnight blue. Jansson's quick-cut cinematography is like a bejeweled dangling carrot with "Acid" by Jockstrap musically underscoring the transportive experience.