Text, Vivian Kelly
The count-down to New York Fashion Week is on but what I call “the pre-show” is more interesting this time around. Usually, I get previews in my in-box which are helpful but a bit boring. This season, though, publicists and designers are taking a more creative approach to generating interest for their clients’ collections that will be revealed next week in New York. Christian Siriano is one of these designers.
A few days ago, I got a beautiful video clip from Slate PR of NY Fashion Designer darling, Christian Siriano‘s Spring/Summer 2012 video campaign that was shot exclusively at the Soho Grand Hotel in New York City. It stars Mena Suvari, with music by Brad Walsh. and edited by Brian Hicks and Alicia Solombrino.
I didn’t need the film to be convinced that the spring 2012 collection was Christian’s strongest one to date, but it DID make me appreciate it all the more. This is certainly not Mena’s first foray into the fashion and beauty worlds, but this film lacks the canned quality of the l’Oreal videos she’s done. The Siriano film is editorial in nature and as thus, much more interesting to watch. I’ve railed in the past about how actors have replaced supermodels on fashion magazine covers, but when it comes to doing a promotional film of this nature, you need an actor rather than a model. Watch it and see whether or not you agree that red and orange are still Mena’s best colors. Enjoy!
A Quick Refresher About Mena Suvari
You’re probably most familiar with actress Mena Suvari as the lucsious “Angela” in her 1999 break-out film, American Beauty.American Beauty is a 1999 American drama film directed by Sam Mendes. In it, Kevin Spacey stars as office worker Lester Burnham, who experiences a midlife crisis when he becomes infatuated with Angela, his teenage daughter’s best friend. It’s hard to forget the image of Mena laying in a field’s worth of American Beauty Roses with that knowing look on her face.
Vivian, great post! I loved the video and campaign. I spied hints of David Lynch and Laura Palmer! I felt a Twin Peaks vibe throughout the mini-flick. Did you feel it? Or was it just me? I kept looking Kyle MacLachlan to show up! Oh, but the gowns are very drool-worthy. I’m now “jonesing” for the dress and skirt in burnt orange. Sigh, Theadora