That fashion films have long gone beyond the point of just being second-long advertisements for clothes is no secret, with fashion houses working with the best actors and directors and constantly linking the short movies to other genres. With its newest campaign film for S/S 17, KENZO taps into the world of music videos, making the ever so essential soundtrack of any movie the key part of its newest creative output. For “Music Is My Mistress”, Humberto Leon and Carol Lim, Co-Creative Directors of the brand since 2011, once again worked together with director Kahlil Joseph, creating a symbiosis of the visual styles of music videos and movie trailers. By putting together scenes and sequences in a distinct pace Joseph, who also directed Beyoncé’s visual album “Lemonade”, creates a rhythm in itself that works as the frame to a story about search and chase.
But besides its musical statement, the film also holds a cultural message: Casting the actors Tracee Ellis Rose and Jesse Williams, KENZO subtly shines spotlight on the issues and disadvantages people of color still face in fashion, film – and the world in general. Tracee Ellis Rose was the first black woman to receive an Emmy nomination in 30 years, while Jesse Williams was one of the producers of the documentary “Stay Woke: The Black Lives Matter Movement”. Seemingly about much more than just the clothes, “Music Is My Mistress” still perfectly manages to put KENZO and its designs in the spotlight – while also shining light on other important topics.
