Fashion and film are a match made in heaven. Sure, the red carpet is the most visible collaboration between the two. But what some cineastes and fashion mavens may not fully appreciate is how often the two literally converge. Global luxury fashion brands craft unique short films about their new collections. They work with notable directors and award-winning actors, and the films are often brilliant. We’ve rounded up the films from luxury fashion brands. These are the best films made by luxury fashion brands in
short films made by fashion brands
The most iconic luxury fashion brands in the world produce multiple short fashion films as a part of their seasonal advertising campaigns. What you may not realize is that these films are true works of art: they are often made by famous directors, star well-known actors, and are as incredibly thoughtful and complex as any short film.
Fashion films can range from brief, aesthetically driven pieces to slightly longer films that include a narrative. Irrespective of format, the goal is to both unveil the actual items in a new collection. And more importantly, to connect those items to a larger set of ideas, symbols and other associations.
Done well, these films become a brilliant way to play in the aesthetic sandbox of today, and also to advertise a brand’s latest products.
Here at Dandelion Chandelier, we recently held a viewing party to see what the latest crop of films by luxury fashion brands had to share with us. Here are some of the best of the best fashion films produced over the past year. Watch them for yourself, and see if you agree. We think these selected short films will definitely help you see luxury – and these specific brands – in a new light.
The Best Films Made by Luxury Fashion Brands
1. Gucci Showtime
Gucci Showtime announces the brand’s Spring Summer 19 campaign from Alessandro Michele. It’s a glittery, boisterous tribute to Hollywood films from the 1930’s and 1940’s. You will see, and hear, references to Singin’ in the Rain, An American in Paris, Gentleman Prefer Blondes, and more.
Still Photo from Gucci Showtime short film. Photo Courtesy Gucci.
All the while, “There’s No Business Like Show Business” is sung in the background, setting the scene for this romp through history. The film is directed by Glen Luchford, who has directed many of Gucci’s past fashion films. He manages to make a film in less than two minutes that will take you back in time and show you all the best and most aesthetically pleasing parts of this bygone era. The film is wonderfully chaotic and gorgeous to look at. Your eye immediately goes to the sparkly gowns and vintage silhouettes. The piece plays with the intimate and increasingly meta relationship between fashion and film.
Gucci Showtime short film. Photo Courtesy Gucci.
2. The Future is Fluid
Also by Gucci, The Future is Fluid is a short film about gender and sexuality. And it’s a totally different kind of short from Gucci Showtime.
Still Photo from the short film The Future is Fluid by Gucci. Photo Courtesy Gucci.
Directed by twenty-four-year-old Jade Jackman as a part of Gucci’s partnership with Chime for Change, in this seven-minute film, the fashion is secondary to the voices of the film’s subjects. And that makes it all the more powerful. From around the world, several people from ages fifteen to twenty five speak about their own personal relationships to sexuality and especially gender. They talk about the ways in which society is shifting to accommodate nuances in how we perceive those things. Clothing is brought in smartly, as a tool for presenting yourself the way you want to be seen. You would barely know Gucci was behind the film if you hadn’t been told in advance. This is a powerful and important work for the brand to stand behind and help produce.
The Future is Fluid short film by Gucci. Phot Courtesy Gucci.
3. Dear Louis
Created for the Spring Summer 19 collection, Louis Vuitton’s fashion film Dear Louis by Tamas Sabo feels like the beginning of a Wes Anderson film. It manages to tell a fun, fanciful narrative in only a couple of minutes.
Dear Louis short film by Louis Vuitton. Courtesy Photo Louis Vuitton.
A young fashion influencer has decided to retire to a cruise ship (the film was shot aboard the QE2 while it was harbored in Dubai). She wants to express her love to one of the cabin crew, named Louis. The film is a perfect example of the way these art pieces do immense work to convey the narrative, or ambiance, that these brands hope customers associate with their clothing. At one point, Marta Pawlowska, who plays Marie, turns to the camera and says, “I don’t think any of us are normal people.” This line seems to summarize the aesthetic notions behind the campaign, and comes off as perfectly charming.
Still from Dear Louis, a short film by Louis Vuitton. Photo Courtesy Louis Vuitton.
4. Prada Spring Summer 2024 Collection
Prada’s fashion films are always worth looking out for and For Prada Spring Summer 2024, is one to watch.
The Prada Spring/Summer 2024 collection represents the freedom of the body through the use of lightweight dresses with a variety of fabrics but with class tailoring. The collection of handbag design was originally created by Mario Prada and will now be recreated in Nappa leather.
5. Self03
Saint Laurent’s fashion film Self03 was directed by Bret Easton Ellis, the author of American Psycho. The film is wordless, set to Petula Clarke’s “Windmills of Your Mind,” and has an eerie, dream-like -quality.
Short film Self 03 directed by Bet Easton Ellis for Saint Laurent
In three and a half minutes, it conveys a narrative of a couple threatened by another man. The characters’ emotions come across clearly even without dialogue, and beautifully weave the clothing into something that is rich with emotion.
Self 03 short film for Saint Laurent
6. Valentino Spring Summer 2024
Valentino’s Spring Summer 2024 campaign, is another film watch that represents the best fashion brands.
This collection represents emancipation and freedom through the lightweight items and float fabrics of the female body. It is a must-see.
7. Chanel Fashion Film 2024
Simple but effective, the CHANEL Fashion Film 2024 is a must-see this year and represents a series of photographs by Malik Bodian.
The Spring-Summer 2024 Haute Collection has been imagined by Virginie Viard and is seen through ballet and dance. It represents precision, freedom, and grace through a variety of styles that include short straight skirts, long dresses, pleats, lots of bows, and flowers with a touch of contemporary culture.
