Dedicated followers of fashion should head to the Ritzy Cinema in Brixton this Saturday night for a special film screening.
A Man's Story is a behind-the-scenes documentary about fashion designer Ozwald Boateng, shot over the last decade-and-a-bit of his hugely successful life. Boateng is one of the fashion world's most influential menswear designers. At the age of 23, he became the youngest tailor to ever open at shop on Savile Row, as well as the first black tailor to do so. On Saturday night, the Ritzy welcomes Boateng and the film's maker, Varon Bonicos for a question and answer session following a screening of the film.
The film spans 12 years, starting in 1998, a "really tough year" for Boateng. Not only is he coming to terms with his divorce from his first wife, but his 1999 collection is a disappointment, and to top it all, his Savile Row offices are burgled; the robbers take his entire collection. As well as the lows, Bonicos is there to capture the successes too: Boateng's appointment as Givenchy's creative director; dressing Jamie Foxx for the Oscars; his OBE for services to the clothing industry. Not bad for a teacher's son, born in Muswell Hill.
Fashion biopics are in vogue (ahem) at the mo: look out for Bill Cunningham in New York (2010) and Coco Before Chanel (2009) if you're a particular fan of finding out how the beautiful people live and dress.
A Man's Story is on at Brixton Ritzy, Brixton Oval, Coldharbour Lane, London, SW2 1JG from 9-15 March (times vary). The special Q&A screening is on Saturday at 6.30pm. Visit the Picturehouses website to find out more.
Here's a clip:
