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Interview: Director Frédéric Tcheng Talks His Latest Movie “Dior And I”

DIOR AND I | Opening April 24th | Director: Frédéric Tcheng | Stars: Raf Simons, Marion Cotillard, Anna Wintour, Sidney Toledano, Pieter Mulier, Jennifer Lawrence and Sharon Stone.

“Dior and I” brings the viewer inside the storied world of the Christian Dior fashion house with a privileged, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as its new artistic director-a true labor of love created by a dedicated group of collaborators. Melding the everyday, pressure-filled components of fashion with mysterious echoes from the iconic brand’s past, the film is also a colorful homage to the seamstresses who serve Simons’ vision.

I was preparing for Lights, Camera, Action! only to find there was no light, no camera, but lots of action. A I sat at the Angelika Film Center lounge awaiting my opportunity to speak with Director Frederic Tcheng, nothing could have prepared me for the interview that literally fell into my lap. The gentle giant that sat next to me, checking out the film schedule for the USA Film Festival, immediately became responsive to my need to capture the essence of the moment by giving me his undivided attention. After a brief chitchat about his excitement over a very good dinner the night before, we eased into a conversation about his life’s work.

“Why did you choose to do a documentary about Christian Dior’s nemesis Raf Simons?

“I admired Raf and the courage he had to follow in the footsteps of Dior, while at the same time creating a legacy of his own that respected Dior’s work and historical legacy, yet forced his followers to realize Raf’s individuality and modern-day contributions.”

“Did you think fashion consumers really needed to appreciate what went on behind the scenes?”

“I never thought about it that way. I did it for myself. I had been running in the opposite direction from what I really wanted to do and I finally decided that I had to do it.”

“So you started with an interest in Civil Engineering… how did that relate to Dior or Simons?”

“Dior was interested in Architecture and Simons had been an engineer as well. The parallels were the attraction, and I wanted to draw an association between the parallels.”

“So what’s next for you?”

“The documentary was just a detour. My next project is screenwriting. I am interested in the human condition and what is important to humanity. I want to reflect that in my work.”

“Congratulations on the debut of your film and much success to you in projects that are important and meaningful to you personally and professionally!”

And with that, it was over. It was time for the director to introduce the documentary that resulted in the production of the Fall 2012 Haute Couture Show where Artistic Director Raf Simons proved to the world that he was worthy and capable of turning 8 weeks into a storied career of the passionate world of fashion. In the same timeframe, director Tcheng exposed the unreputed truth about what it takes to be a visionary in a perfect world of imperfection. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness a true work of heartfelt passion!

“Dior and I’ opens in select theaters April 24th

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Tracee Bond

Tracee is a movie critic and interviewer who was born in Long Beach and raised in San Diego, California. As a Human Resource Professional and former Radio Personality, Tracee has parlayed her interviewing skills, interest in media, and crossover appeal into a love for the Arts and a passion for understanding the human condition through oral and written expression. She has been writing for as long as she can remember and considers it a privilege to be complimented for the only skill she has been truly able to master without formal training!