Five Films to Watch Right Now
From Killer Mike's "Trigger Warning" to "The Gospel According to Andre," here you'll find a list of films that represent and dissect the issues impacting the black community and fashion community alike.
Today’s sociopolitical landscape has allowed for the emergence of feelings that have been long suppressed by marginalized groups across multiple sectors. Similar to the misconduct of governmental officials to black people, the fashion industry has also been largely criticized for its lack of black representation on multiple fronts. If you’re interested in learning about how these issues intersect, I highly recommend giving these films a watch.
Trigger Warning with Killer Mike
In this docuseries, rapper Killer Mike embarks on a three-day challenge, in which he only consumes black-owned products. This film highlights the highly intersectional social issues involving race and class in America.
The Gospel According to Andre
One of Vogue’s former contributing editors Andre Leon Talley was one of the only black male editors to reach the level of creative director at a Conde Nast publication, until Edward Enninful. His documentary discusses the successes, challenges, and journeys that Talley navigated as a black fashion professional.
13th
This heavy yet informative documentary provides critical commentary on a multiplicity of issues affecting the black community. It provides a historical analysis of the governmental failings that have and continue to keep black people oppressed.
The September Issue
The September Issue is the single most accurate representation of the recently called out misbehavior of Anna Wintour, EIC at Vogue Magazine. The Devil Wears Prada does it justice, but this documentary allows us to see it firsthand.
Just Mercy
If Jamie Foxx and Michael B. Jordan being the main characters isn’t enough, I’m afraid you’ll have to see it for yourself.
Photo Credits:
ALT: WWD
13th: Vimeo
Just Mercy: Film Affinity Australia
The September Issue: IMBD
Trigger Warning: Vanyaland
Report: Julian Alexander Randall
Looks from the Cannes Film Festival
With the cancellation of the 2020 Cannes Film Festival, take a look back at some of the most notable celebrity looks that have come out of the festival's recent years.
In a recent Instagram post by Priyanka Chopra, the actress reflects on last year’s Cannes Film Festival. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic this year’s festival has been cancelled. It began in 1939 when the French war drama, La Grande Illusion, was not allowed at the Venice Film Festival. Now considered one of the most premier places for cinema, it is located in the French Riviera and a strict dressing code is enforced.
Although the 2020 Cannes Festival won’t be happening, the years of high-end fashion it has brought us can still be looked backed upon and admired. Here are some iconic looks that celebrities have showcased in the festival’s recent years.
PRIYANKA CHOPRA
Priyanka brought simple glamour to the festival in 2019 at the premiere of Les Plus Belles Années D’une Vie. She wore a white tulle-layered gown from Georges Hobeika, a diamond necklace and earrings, and finished off the look with minimal makeup and hair pulled back into a sleek ponytail.
Crowned Miss World in 2000, Priyanka is best known for her roles in the ABC thriller series Quantico and Hollywood comedy blockbuster Baywatch.
FAN BING BING
Fan stunned in pastel elegance at the 2018 opening ceremony. Wearing a mint couture gown from Ali Karoui, she completed the look with De Beers jewelry.
Another high-paying actress in her own right, Fan is also considered to be a global fashion icon. The star of many Chinese award-winning films, she portrayed Blink in the 2014 superhero movie X-Men: Days of Future Past.
LUPITA NYONG’O
Lupita made heads turn with her bright couture gown at the 2015 premiere of La Tete Haute. She wore a Gucci jade green pleated gown adorned with floral embellishments and a deep-cut neckline. The outfit was accessorized with a gold head and Chopard jewelry, and finished off with a magenta lip.
A graduate from the prestigious Yale School of Drama, Lupita’s breakout role was as Patsy in the biographical period drama 12 Years a Slave, earning her an Oscar for Best Supporting Actress.
BELLA HADID
Bella’s daring style was on display during the 2016 premiere of The Unknown Girl. Famously choosing not to wear any underwear underneath, she wore a red silk-wrap gown from Alexandre Vautheir. The look was finished off with teardrop-shaped diamond earrings and jewelry adorning her fingers and wrists.
Alongside sister Gigi Hadid, Bella is a prominent model that has collaborated with the likes of Dior Beauty, Chanel, and Jacquemus.
MARION COTILLARD
One can’t talk about the Cannes Festival if they don’t talk about French actress Marion Cotillard. Appearing at the 2012 premiere of De Rouille et D’os she wore a Christian Dior ball gown that had a black strapless bodice, dark navy skirt, and black patent leather belt. The look was completed with Chopard jewels and an 8k white gold watch set.
The new face of the Chanel No. 5 fragrance, she won an Oscar for her portrayal of French singer Edith Piaf in the biographical musical film La Vie en Rose.
Photo Credits: Harpar's Bazaar, Elle
Report: Charlene Piccio
At the rise of Covid-19 many of us first questioned the timeline of fashion week and would we see the regular calendar continue - the question weighed over many of us for months! It was refreshing to see design houses and designers across the globe take advantage of the uncertainty and plow into production mode - thus my interest in Jerri Reid New York - The Black Designer based in Brooklyn New York wow’d instagram with his latest collection paying homage to the Black Is King film which debuted earlier this year in July. I was taken aback at quick of a turn round the young designer produced and released his well crafted designs reflecting some of the films most memorable moments.