A Shaded View on Fashion Film arrives at Dover Street Market Paris for its 17th edition From fashion activism to artificial intelligence, ASVOFF 17 unfolds as a mirror of our times with Willy Chavarria
As November begins, the curtain is about to rise on the seventeenth edition of A Shaded View on Fashion Film (ASVOFF), marking the return of a festival that stands as a vital crossroads between the seventh art, creativity, and contemporary awareness. Under the visionary direction of Diane Pernet, ASVOFF 17 will take over the Dover Street Market Paris from November 13 to 16, strengthened by a loyal partnership now celebrating its fifth consecutive edition.
This edition already stands out for its bold and sharply defined thematic approach. The festival will dive into today’s realities by exploring pressing topics such as mental health in fashion, films created by artificial intelligence, and fashion activism. Through the perspectives of international curators, the event will also highlight queer archives, the evening spectrum, climate warriors, Chinese cinema, and student talents. The quality and rebellious spirit of new fashion film narratives will be judged by a prestigious panel including Marc Ascoli, Martine Sitbon, Matières Fécales, Manish Arora, Pam Hogg, and Gena Marvin. The closing night will feature the ASVOFF Awards Ceremony, inaugurating the MAC Beauty Prize, a groundbreaking collaboration with M·A·C Cosmetics celebrating beauty as cinematic art and a vector of diversity.
Willy Chavarria: a celebration of humanity
This year, the festival’s presidency is held by Willy Chavarria, an emblematic figure who embodies a deeply engaged and humanistic approach to fashion. A designer whose work and values transcend garments to become a social manifesto, notably through his eponymous brand, where he regularly uses his collections as a platform to address issues related to immigration, marginalized masculinity, and inequality. His commitment extends beyond his own creations: he frequently participates in projects that celebrate and support culture, collaborating with initiatives that amplify the voices of underrepresented communities. Chavarria sees fashion as a powerful tool for dignity and reflection, as evidenced by his striking statement: “Fashion must not flee reality. It must embrace it — the pain, the beauty, and everything in between. That’s where the shared dignity of our humanity lies.” His personal message will open the festivities, followed by the premiere of Heart of the Valley and a performance by Flavio Juan Núñez.
