Unzipped

Unzipped is a quirky and compelling documentary film from 1995 that offers an intimate, behind-the-scenes view of the fashion industry, primarily focusing on the life and work of innovative fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi. Directed by Douglas Keeve, the film functions not only as a close portrayal of Mizrahi's creative process but also as an insightful look into the unique world that is high-fashion. Known for pushing the boundaries of style and avant-garde creativity, Mizrahi's daring vision is expertly captured in the film, which seeks to invite the audience into the eclectic world that he navigates.

At the heart of the film lies Isaac Mizrahi, himself, a designer renowned for his whimsical approach to high fashion. The film tracks the journey of Mizrahi from the beautiful chaos of planning a single collection to the final unveiling of his work. Caught amidst a whirlwind of supermodels, mammoth fabric swatches, and high-intensity fashion shows, we see Mizrahi's creative process unfold before our eyes. The movie paints a vivid picture of Mizrahi as a creator, a visionary who dexterously merges style and art to create couture.

Roseanne Barr and Sandra Bernhard share screen space with Mizrahi in this film. As personal friends of the designer, they provide a one-of-a-kind commentary on Mizrahi's style process and its significance in the world of fashion. Their appearances are casual yet impactful, adding a level of familiarity and depth to the narrative that further tightens the bond between Mizrahi and the audience.

The film is a wonderful amalgamation of various art forms. It deftly combines elements of fashion, film, animation and music, speaking volumes of Mizrahi's multidisciplinary approach to creating, something that has always set him apart in the fashion world. The documentary uses pieces of popular culture – referencing films like Nanook of the North – to inform its direction and overall tone. This approach uncovers the breadth of Mizrahi's ingenuity, revealing how his work is deeply grounded in a variety of artistic disciplines.

In Unzipped, we see the fashion world not just through Isaac’s eyes but also through those who participate in and enrich its landscape, like the runway models who breathe life into his concepts. Recognizable names in the '90s supermodel era such as Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, and Cindy Crawford make appearances in the film. Through candid chats and fitting room interactions, viewers are given a rare peek into the collaborative aspect of fashion design and the symbiotic relationship between designers and models.

The film is not just a documentary about a single designer's process; it's a love letter to the fashion industry. It reveals the passion, the fury, and the sheer thrill of creating something exquisite from pure imagination. The portrayal is both comedic and earnest, as it navigates the practicalities and absurdities that coexist in the art world. Whether it's the chaotic selection of fabrics, the dramatic fashion show preparations, or Mizrahi's creative brainstorming sessions, every moment is unforgettable.

As viewers experience the exhilarating journey through Unzipped, they cannot help but admire Mizrahi's relentless pursuit of vision, his abiding commitment to the art form. His wit and charm, matched with his coloured sense of humour, are used to wonderful effect throughout the film, making it as entertaining as it is enlightening. Further, the movie subverts the traditional perception of fashion merely being an industry of glamour and vanity, portraying it instead as a realm of skill, patience, and wild imagination.

The brilliance of Unzipped lies in its ability to invite the viewer into the designer's world – to pose and answer questions, show the intricacies of the process, and create an understanding of what it takes to realise a vision. And even though the movie is primarily about fashion, it transcends its topical barrier to deliver a timeless testament to the power of creativity.

In essence, Unzipped is a vibrant and spirited take on the fashion industry. It unravels the world of a genius designer and allows for a more profound appreciation of the artistry and innovation that drives high fashion. It's an immersion into a spectacle of fabric, color, and imagination – a film that beautifully captures the essence of Isaac Mizrahi and his incomparable contribution to the fashion world.