When I first learnt about the movie I am Love at André Leon Talley’s column in Vogue US back in April last year, like most fashion/film fans, I was intrigued and was looking forward to it. Although it was directed by her fan Luca Guadagnino, but it’s in fact a result of a 11-year film project co-produced and developed together by actress Tilda Swinton and Guadagnino.

As I recalled, the film didn’t make it to the cinema here in Hong Kong, therefore it’s nice to see the DVD made it and just came out. I’ve just finished watching, and as expected~ gasped in astonishment! The film reminds me of the feeling I’d normally get from some Merchant Ivory’s old work (especially those of E.M. Foster’s). Like any good drama movies, the storyline was rather emotionally intense. I’ve never seen other Guadagnino movies, but am surprised to see the amount of space and effort allowed when it comes to art/costume direction. It’s visually stimulating, the attention to detail on food, dinner, costume, grace and manner etc was subtle, yet lingering. The grandiose spirit and poised appearance of the haute bourgeoisie was well captured.

Above all, the fashion. Ms Swinton’s handsome wardrobe was made by her recent fave: Raf Simons for Jil Sander. I deliberately watch till the very end, and paid attention to the credit, in which they credited Jil Sander team led by Raf Simons and colleagues, Ms Swinton’s jewelery from Damiani, Fendi menswear and Delfina Delettrez (a fourth generation Fendi). Though they didn’t mention, but one can’t escape the prominent shots of Hermès’ ‘Birkin’ and ‘Victoria’, and also Ferragamo’s flats (worn by Swinton at the very beginning). Apart from the aforementioned Fendi linkage, this film is in fact co-produced by Silvia Venturini Fendi. Products aside, the film also starred other fashion names, you’d see Marisa Berenson (actress/model/ Elsa Schiaparelli’s granddaughter) as well as NYC-based jewelry designer Waris Ahluwalia.