bored to death

I get quite bored of fashion sometimes. You know, it's just clothes. And there are so many other things to think about, and so many terrible things happening in the world. I get worried about manmade fibres and the proliferation of fast fashion and unethical production and brands like Topshop and Urban Outfitters destroying local and boutique businesses. I find it quite repugnant. Although I buy lots of stuff from them so I'm not being holier than thou.

Anyway, then I'll see something like 'The Day Before' and feel excited and teary and rejuvenated about what fashion can be. 'The Day Before' is a series of documentaries that follow, variously, Sonia Rykiel and the leadup to her 40th anniversary show, behind the scenes at Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton, Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel and Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler and finally, Jean Paul Gaultier.

Each one is an hour long, covering the 36-hour lead up to their Fall 2009 fashion show, or in the case of Gaultier, his Fall 2009 couture show. It's incredible. No written feature can give you the insight that film can. It's emotional, and honest and breathtakingly beautiful . If you are in New Zealand, they are running on the Documentary Channel on Sunday's at 9.30pm. If not, I would urge you to buy or borrow. 

If you'd like to read more, there is a nice write up on Fashionologie.