When there are too many things to see, you see nothing
Forget Absolutely Fashion (oh you have already?), this is how you make a fashion documentary. Mid fashion week I swished over to BAFTA to the UK premiere of The First Monday In May, the documentary about the making of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s 2015 fashion exhibition and the accompanying Costume Institute Met Gala.
If you’re interested in fashion, art, media, celebrity, globalism, events – any or all of the above – then this is a film for you; laden as it is with insight, drama, suspense and humour.
Anna Wintour, in her role as the museum trustee and Costume Institute benefit co-chair is the star, as you’d expect. But Andrew Bolton (curator of the China: Through The Looking Glass exhibition in question) is a terrific co-star. His thoughtful, boyish demeanour make him instantly likeable, while his refusal to get shirty with clueless contractors adds to the suspense. His dedication to crop-ankled, Thom Browne suits and thunking brogues should also get a mention for supporting role.
There are some great one liners and unintentional funny moments. But my favourite quote comes from director Wong Kar Wai, as creative director of the exhibition who comments sagely, ‘When there are too many things to see, you see nothing‘.
In life as in art…
WORDS: Disneyrollergirl/Navaz Batliwalla
IMAGE: The First Monday In May
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17 October, 2016 @ 2:39 pm
Thanks so much for such a lovely comment on my guest post on Keep it Chic’s blog. Love your aesthetic and placed my pre-order on your book weeks ago!