Diane Pernet, an American fashion blogger recognized for her unique style and involvement in the global fashion scene, has been focusing her efforts on celebrating the works of others through her fashion film festival, A Shaded View On Fashion Film (ASVOFF). This festival, now in its 15th year, has become a platform for showcasing global fashion talent in film, with the recent edition held at Dover Street Market Paris from November 9-12.
Chinese films have always played a crucial role in ASVOFF, reflecting Pernet’s longstanding collaborations with key figures in China’s arts scene. The festival has seen contributions from notable Chinese artists like photographer Wing Shya and artist-director Tim Yip. In 2016, ASVOFF even expanded to Shanghai, further cementing its connection with the Chinese fashion and art community.
This year, the Chinese fashion film category at ASVOFF was judged by Tasha Liu and Lucia Liu, two influential figures in China’s fashion world. The best film award was presented to “It is Not Spring Until All Flowers Blossom” by Curry Sicong Tian, featuring fashion designer Ya Yi’s work. The film, a blend of fashion and storytelling, pays tribute to Asian immigrant women in the Western garment industry and features a diverse cast of more than 50 Asian and American creatives.
Tasha Liu, judging the category for the second year, noted the strengthening narrative of local Chinese design and the alignment of Chinese directors with international production standards. She praised Ya Yi for her individualism and the depth of her artistic journey, evident in the film.
ASVOFF’s China category also showcased works like “In Perfect Skin” by Yining Zhou, which challenges the stigma around skin conditions. Pernet observed that the Chinese submissions were diverse, ranging from deeply narrative to poetic, and were characterized by their originality.
Digital fashion films also made a significant presence, with Shan Hua’s “I Can Hear You, in an Unfamiliar Way” standing out for exploring the relationship between natural forms and humans. The festival’s official competition featured notable entries like Bethann Hardison’s documentary “Invisible Beauty” and the environmental film “Junk.”
The festival closed with a creative chat with singer and Balenciaga muse Jay-Jay Johanson, who served as the jury president. While Pernet remained discreet about her future plans in China, she expressed excitement for the next ASVOFF event, inviting entries for the upcoming year.
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