Can fashion makes you cry? Well at times such a reaction can seem a bit extreme, at least for someone like me who watches the fashion world from afar. But after seeing Dior and I I can completely understand why. In fact during the closing scenes I found myself welling up as I watched Raf Simons struggling with holding back the tears minutes before his premiere haute couture collection.
At that point, we the movie viewers had been taken along for a 90 minutes long thrilling ride watching how Raf, his team and the ateliers are struggling to put together a collection in just 8 weeks. Yes thrilling is the right word. In fact this is one of the most engaging fashion documentaries that I have ever seen. I think it is because it is so emotional and intimate, but also the built in suspense – will they finish on time?
If you’ve seen Signe Chanel certain things will feel familiar as the dynamics in the Dior ateliers are very similar to those at Chanel and just as fun to watch. Also in Dior and I there is the added tension that Raf comes from a ready-to-wear background and initially struggles to understand how much time couture sewing actually takes.
The film also does a very good job of capturing Rafs personality. He shows an intense laser focus when it comes to design (but does not sketch!), has a fairly reserved demeanour and almost suffers a panic attack when faced with the idea of having to walk along the catwalk. He struck me as a deeply sympathetic and genuine person in a world full of flamboyant personalities, elbowing and air kissing
I highly recommend this movie!
Other fashion documentaries that I’ve reviewed
