A recent surge in designer-themed dramas, including the outstanding Cristobal Balenciaga, Kaiser Karl, and The New Look, suggests a shift in the perception that onscreen stories about fashion struggle to captivate audiences. Perhaps the historical context contributes to the success of these productions, allowing them to stay true to the designs of renowned couturiers. This authenticity makes the portrayal of fashion more convincing and less cringeworthy, as demonstrated by the exceptional costuming in Cristobal Balenciaga.
Amidst these releases, The Phantom Thread from 2017 stands out, with Daniel Day Lewis portraying a fictional twisted genius inspired by various real-life designers. While eagerly anticipating the upcoming designer dramas on Disney+ and Apple TV, let’s explore a few candidates who deserve the filmic treatment.
Dame Vivienne Westwood, a true icon known for her incredible life and talent, would make a compelling biopic subject. From her early days as a teacher to reshaping fashion through punk and challenging societal norms, Westwood’s story is a captivating journey through the Swinging Sixties to the Eighties of Princess Diana and Margaret Thatcher’s era.
Patrick Kelly, a designer from Vicksburg, Mississippi, deserves recognition for being the first American designer inducted into the Chambre Syndicale. His story would highlight his achievements, including challenging the hierarchical norms of Paris fashion and promoting inclusivity in his designs.
Barbara Hulanicki, the founder of Biba, a legendary London boutique in the Sixties, offers a fascinating narrative of divine decadence and sexual liberation in the early 1970s. Hulanicki’s journey from an emigré background to the bankruptcy of Biba and her subsequent success in designing hotels would make for an intriguing biopic.
Lee Alexander McQueen’s life, though challenging to capture onscreen, presents a story of brilliance, punkish daring, and overcoming adversity. From his hardscrabble upbringing in east London to becoming a renowned designer, McQueen’s narrative is rich with experiences that would make for compelling viewing.
Paul Poiret, a designer bridging the 19th and 20th centuries in Paris, offers a unique story shaped by the tumultuous moments of world history. Poiret’s rise to prominence and subsequent decline, along with his dramatic love life and encounters with fellow designers like Coco Chanel, provides a narrative ripe for exploration.
In exploring these potential biopics, viewers would be treated to a diverse range of stories, from the rebellious spirit of Dame Vivienne Westwood to the groundbreaking achievements of Patrick Kelly and the avant-garde brilliance of Lee Alexander McQueen. The fashion world’s history comes alive through these designers, making for captivating and inspiring cinematic experiences.
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