Customer Reviews

Unzipped [VHS]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A season in the life of former fashion designer, Isaac Mizrahi, as documented by his (then) boyfriend/director/former-Sundance-Film-Fest-Darling, Douglas Keeve. Opening with Mizrahi reading a devastating review in *Womens Wear Daily* of his most recent collection, it is a heartbreaking moment that only artists really understand. But unflattering criticism is part of the ballgame, and Mizrahi rolls with the punches. There is no time to wallow - there's another collection to be designed, and we watch as Mizrahi looks for inspiration in a variety of sources, eventually becoming most inspired by the idea of basing his Fall collection on the 1935 film *Call of the Wild* and 1922s *Nanook of the North*. What seems such an unlikely course becomes magic as we watch the rough ideas of suede boots and fuzzy jackets transform themselves into a cohesive statement of winter luxury that is completely modern. We watch the details being refined, the fabrics being selected, and most amusingly, the fittings being done with the Holy Trinity of supermodels, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington. We see Evangelista exactly as we expect to - the biggest diva of them all - whining of being discriminated against in shoe selection. This is the woman who once said, "[We] don't get out of bed for less than $10,000," but the power she brings to the runway appears to make her worth every penny. We feel the utter despair that Mizrahi feels as he reads that Jean-Paul Gaultier has just unveiled his own Eskimo-themed collection. We see Mizrahi try to persuade the models to undress behind a backlit scrim during the show, and some of them pointedly refusing. But the ones that do, become a stunning backdrop for a knock-out show. The documentary runs full-circle, ending with Mizrahi reading a fabulous review of his excellent collection. It is a film rife with stereotypes of fashionistas, but these stereotypes, like most, have sprung forth from a good bit of truth. And given what is perceived to be the shallowest of milieus, it is a very touching story combining the elements of creativity, criticism, hope and redemption. Mizrahi, whose eponymous fashion house closed a few years ago, entertains in front of the camera, as well as designs, and the constantly revolving cast of characters is a Who's Who of late-90s fashion magazines. It is Keeve's first project and was a critical success, presciently capturing Mizrahi at the peak of his career, and the fashion world in one of its most decadent eras. Though neither Mizrahi nor Keeve have attained such prominence since *Unzipped*, is even more special because of it. It was the right combination of the right qualities at the right time that garnered the film and its participants such attention, but, in retrospect, it is a moment that is bound to burst like a garishly elegant soap bubble.

This was amusing. One critic said, "All this tension over a fashion line of eskimo-fasihon-knock-offs." But that's kind of what makes it fun, that people are so intense about something so frivolous. Yeah, the term "fashion genius" is a contradiction in terms, but sometimes you have to have some cotton candy in your life. Isaac doesn't have that bitchy edge that so many cup-cake designers have, so is amusing and likable. Despite the publicity this movie brought him, his company folded. He said--before his company went under--that when someone praised this film to him, he'd rather they'd said, "I bought one of your jackets at full-price." Isaac then went after the movie business. He didn't fair well there, I guess, because last I read of him, he's doing a one-man stage show about his life. (As a heterosexual male, it was kind of unbelievable, too, to see Isaac hugging and pinning the most striking fashion model women alive--Christie Turlington for one--and remain sober-faced and unaffected. If I were hugging Turlington, I'd faint from joy!) A good suppliment to this is the book THE END OF FASHION that describes in one section the demise of Isaac's label. For one thing, he DID have big-selling items, and the retailers would beg him for more. But he played the artist-image a bit too much, and refused to repeat things, and only did new things that inspired him. Well, he inspired himself right into bankruptcy. But this film, documenting when the company was still going, is great fun to see.

Although "Unzipped" is the story of American designer Isaac Mizrahi at work producing his 1994 fall collection, it's not really about the fashion at all.

This documentary is really about how the creative process works - both inside the mind of the artist, as well as the frustrations of making the artistic spark concrete. Mizrahi is shown apparently candidly, drawing inspiration from old movies and TV. He's shown at work doing research at the Louvre, in conversation with Sandra Bernhardt and fashion editor Polly Mellon.

Significant portions of the piece are in black and white, but much is in color. The filmic contrasts reflect the competing pressures experienced by the artist: artistic integrity and business necessity.

For fashion-mad viewers, there are plenteous shots of the design studio, lots of models, and finally the show itself.

This is a short documentary that's long on insight and style. Although it's a serious look at creativity, it's also a whale of a good time, rare among the genre.

Fictional films have never captured the hilariousness of the industry like this one does. Linda Evangelista especially stands out. She played the "supermodel" to the hilt. You could see what made her such an effective model; she really knew how to come up with a persona for the camera. Polly M. is incredible character too and the appearance by Eartha Kitt is unforgettable. When it comes to the fashion industry and the movies, fact is stranger (and funnier) than fiction.

A must-see and perhaps must-have movie for anyone that is into fashion, models, and documentaries. We follow designer Isaac Mizrahi after a collection which had received horrendous reviews, as he tries to not only regain his confidence, but to also design his next line of clothing. I really liked the fact that most of the film is shot in b/w which is intertwined with bursts of grainy-color scenes. The film is especially interesting now that Mizhrahi's line has been discontinued. Mizrahi is perhaps one of the brightest most unknown personalities around, and Unzipped is not only an excellent peek into the fashion world, but also into the man himself.

This documentary was made at precisely the right time. By 1994, you had to be under a rock or lost in a forest in Papua New Guinea not to know who the supermodels featured in this documentery were. They were all at the top of their game at this time. The second thing going for this documentary is that this was Isaac's best collection ever- in fact, one of my favorite collections by any designer, since I started following fashion in the early 90's.

Isaac Mizrahi is a funny and engaging character. He's both humorous and diplomatic. He displays the latter quality during that scene where that alterna-model, Eve, does a runway walk for him. This being high fashion, you would have expected some really snotty remark about how AWFUL her runway walk was. Instead, Isaac is very polite to her, though the camera is absolutely unforgiving.

Anyone who says that designers who don't take models into consideration when they design the collections is self-delusional. Back then, the models were so iconic and womanly, and the designs reflected that. (Think of Gianni Versace's designs during this time, for example). Nearly all of the top models of the time are featured her, especially (sigh) Linda Evangelista. That name alone is beautiful beyond compare...

The supermodels missing include Claudia (yawn) Schiffer, and Christy Turlington. There is a very brief scene where Christy describes a Jean-Paul Gaultier show, but it's brief, and she's cut off abruptly. Maybe Isaac was mad at her for not walking in his show!

Linda Evangelista really steals the show here. Her best "scene" is when she complains about the microphone in her face, with a haughty Brit accent, and then stares alluringly into the camera. It's a fashion moment- Linda conveys her knowledge that she's the best, most stunning supermodel ever...

Although this documentary would seem to have limited appeal, it is a great addition to your collection. Great fashion and great models are featured here. This documentary just wouldn't be the same today! (Well, Isaac's no longer designing, and I'm sorry, but Giselle will never reach the heights of Linda Evangelista!)

You'll read "Party Movie," "Outrageous," and "Wickedly Funny" on the outside of the keep case, but the movie "Unzipped" deserves a much more dignified description as a smartly filmed and edited documentary with an alluringly exotic flavor. Isaac Mizrahi's talent, creativity and personality are wonderfully revealed in this excellent view into one small, but glamorous corner of the fashion world.

"Unzipped" revolves around the making of a fashion show, beginning with Isaac reading the reviews of the just completed (Spring 1994) and ending with him reading the reviews of the one we see him create (Fall 1994, the subject of the movie). I became enamored of so many aspects of this movie: Isaac's passion for all things glamorous, his acute attention to detail in cinematic portrayals, his relationship with family and business associates, the modeling experience, and the show itself. The filming alternates between black-and-white to color, in a manner which differentiates between intimacy and all-access reportage. There is so much that meets the eye.

I truly believe that anyone would be interested in Isaac as a person inasmuch as his creative character fits so perfectly into the realm of design and glamour. His presence is at once dominating and yet so dependent upon the whims of a fickle business filled with unpredictable turns of events. Ideas come from everywhere: movies, television, dreams, and images of performance art. The viewer literally sees a fashion show evolve from concept to performance, and witnesses all the twists and turns in between.

From Amber to Yasmeen, virtually all of the top models of the mid-90's are involved. But, the best "behind-the-seems" experience is what Altman couldn't capture quite right in "Pret-a-Porter": the backstage goings-on prior to, and during, the actual fashion show.

Although only 73 minutes (and no DVD extras), it's pure enjoyment all the way through.

Explosively funny and seductive, "Unzipped" is a clever comedy somewhere between Robert Altman's "Pret-à-porter" and "In bed with Madonna", with a classy cast, a great soundtrack and delightful guests appearances. EARTHA KITT highlights the moovie with an outrageous and very glamourous sequence. Fun!

A great movie for anybody that loves fashion at its best. Isaac should be in Hollywood, he is the star of the movie. Whitty, funny, dramatic, so much charm! His dresses are great too, and the models are shown as you would see them in a first row runway show. In brief, Polly in the cab is a MUST for any fashion-editor-to-be. Linda backstage gives you a good reason to heat her. Isaac's Mom is the perfect Mother for any artist of the world. And finally, Isaac is a true talent. The movie: one your of pure fun and enjoyment. I raccomend you to see it with few friends over for a dessert party loaded with chocolate, Nieman Marcus mail orders books and the latest fashion magazines from around the world.

Oh, how I love this movie. I originally saw it in one the art house movie theaters here in Denver and was just laughing to tears half of the time. I love Isaac Mizrahi, and this movie is the primary reason why. Why is this man not my best friend?

This movies is the perfect mix of haute couture, the characters that inhabit the fashion world, Isaac's witty sensibility, the most amazing soundtrack, and great camera and directing work from Isaac's then boyfriend, Douglas Keeve. I love all of Isaac's references and influences. I want to call him irreverent, but in actuality he is anything but. He holds his influences in such high regard, and his fashions are always executed as a respectful nod to those social and pop cultural trigger points.

Even if you know nothing about fashion, or even Isaac himself, I would recommend this movie on its exceptional eye candy alone. This movie is a time capsule for the early 90's reign of the supermodel. Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Linda Evangelista (warning! you'll never be able to get Linda's grating, shrieking voice out of your head after seeing this), Carla Bruni, Amber Valleta, Patricia Velasquez and Shalom Harlow are all here, front and center, working Isaac's catwalk.

LOVED Polly Mellon in this. She and Isaac's interactions are hilarious. And I loved when Isaac and Amber were talking about Polly and her "this changes everything" catch phrase. Why is she no longer with Allure magazine? Did she just retire? I pray she didn't pass away.

And I'm sorry for John, the previous reviewer, who was extremely disappointed with Patricia Velasquez's brief appearance in this documentary. John, you do know that Patricia is gay and that she and Sandra Bernhard dated for some time (presumably they met through Isaac since Sandra is prominently featured as Isaac's friend and confident), allegedly, don't you? Not saying you can't still have love for the girl, but still, FYI in case you didn't know.