BFC FASHION ARTS FOUNDATION PREMIERES FILM COMMISSIONS

On Thursday, June 22 the British Fashion Council’s Fashion Arts Foundation premiered two short films, by two female directors, putting British fashion at the heart of the narrative.  This commission saw Jessica de Rothschild’s debut as film director and Anissa Bonnefont’s third directorial endeavor. Both films were made possible by The Peninsula Hotels. Screening at BAFTA to an audience of industry informers alongside fashion and film students, the films showcase the international language of British fashion.

In her film, titled Reflections of Hollywood, Rothschild sought inspiration from old school Hollywood to weave a tale of modern, magical glamour in her film. Filmed at the Peninsula Beverley Hills and featuring Yvonne Scio, with support from John Pearson and singer/songwriter Edei, the film features womenswear by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi, menswear by Gieves & Hawkes and jewelry by Stephen Webster.

Bonnefont took to her native Paris, setting her film, The Eyes of My Father, at the Peninsula Paris. Featuring Jeremie Belingard and dancers from the Paris Opera Ballet, the film captures the story of a choreographer, recently appointed dance director at the Paris Opera Ballet, struggling to find inspiration and deliver his piece. The film follows his journey of frustration and despair and it is only following a visit from his deceased father in a series of dream sequences, that closure proves to be the catalyst in unlocking his creative block.  The film features womenswear by Emilia Wickstead, menswear by Richard James and shoes by Rupert Sanderson

“We’re so grateful to The Peninsula Hotels for making these two films possible,” said Caroline Rush, chief executive of British Fashion Council. “To be able to celebrate British fashion in a global context, and at the same time to give a platform to two brilliant female directors, is exactly the sort of creative collaboration we hope to inspire with the Fashion Arts Foundation.’

The Fashion Arts Foundation Charity was established in 2012 to commission new works between fashion and other creative forms, putting British fashion front and center.  This is the charity’s first film commission and was made possible by the generosity of the Peninsula Hotels Group.