Fun
The Dries Documentary
Dear Kay,
The documentary about Dries Van Noten, the clothing designer who is my hero, has finally turned up on Netflix.
Dries takes the form of many documentaries about fashion—we see the creation of collections, from scraps of fabric to sketches to the making of the sample to the fashion show at the end. But it’s Dries! He’s like no other!
I was a little nervous to watch this film, because I have such high regard for this creative genius. What if he’s, like, a jerk?
I shouldn’t have worried. All the things that I’ve heard about his modesty, calm temperament, and worldview are very much a part of this film. And—dream come true—much of the documentary takes place in his studio, in the workrooms, in the workshop in India where his extravagant embroidery is created by thousands of workers.
There is so much beauty to see here.
His offices in Antwerp.
His materials.
His brilliant, quiet staff.
The embroiderers in Kolkata.
And we visit the extraordinary house and gardens in Antwerp that he shares with his work and life partner Patrick. Their relationship may be the most moving aspect of this documentary.
I often think of the magicians Penn and Teller, who will show you exactly how a magic trick works—letting you in on the back side of the curtain, basically. And then they do the trick again, and you still can’t figure out how they do it. That’s what this documentary does: we see all the ingredients that go into a Dries Van Noten collection. Yet only the magnificent imagination of Dries can distill it all into his sublime mashups of luxury and utility.
I won’t say anything more. Just watch. To be a fly on the wall in this designer’s studio is really special.
Love,
Ann
Oh, good! Something wonderful to watch while I wait for This is Us to start!
Wow! I so want to experience his creative energy. Thanks for getting this out to the masses (fibre folks).
Saved on my list! (Along with The Ranch, with Sam Elliot, a whole other kind of eye candy . . . ) 😉
Thanks so much! I loved it! I wish there were more of this genre to get us feelin’ all inspired!
A must see. Also also highly recommended “The Center Will Not Hold”. A reminder that there are still people out there who respect the beauty of the written word and are expert craftspeople.
I loved The Centre Will Not Hold too, wonderful!
How lovely….looks wonderful, thank you–Merri
I’m so glad you found no feet of clay – I understand that ambivalence about looking in a closer way at someone you admire from afar 🙂
And I am now wishing for a “brilliant, quiet staff”! Preferably to appear magically for a couple of hours daily just as cashmere-combing season begins.
This looks interesting, and perfect for the Lazy Sunday that I am in the midst of! I will just say that the photo of the loose locks of hair on “brilliant quiet staff” member at the loom makes me nervous! I think I read too many stories about little 19th century Mill Girls getting their long hair caught in the machinery. (Or for that matter, Isadora Duncan’s scarf getting caught in the hubcaps of her open car!) I’m sure the documentary won’t include any moments like that, though!
So nice to hear about this quiet man in a world with too much noise.
Keep the Sunday fashion docs coming! I finally got around to watching _Dior and I_ and enjoyed it immensely.