Vanessa de Largie | Milk Bar Magazine | August 29, 2014
Don’t miss the Fashion on Film season at ACMI, which is part of the cultural program of the 2014 Melbourne Spring Fashion Week. Out of the films that I previewed, I really enjoyed the documentary about the art of tailoring.
Men of the Cloth is the debut documentary about Italian Master Tailors by Greek-American journalist and producer/director – Vicki Vasilopoulos. This exquisite documentary is a peek into the world of tailoring, its history and its pioneers. The doco follows three Master Tailor’s journeys – Nino Corvato, Joe Centofanti and Checchino Fonticoli. Throughout the film, we come to learn the fabric of their chosen career is passion – passion for the artistry that real tailoring is.
Nino Corvato, born in Sicily, had dreams of being somebody, eventually leaving Italy and relocating to America. Corvato worked as a production manager at Brooks Brothers before opening his successful tailoring business in midtown Manhattan.
Joe Centofanti began tailoring at 10. In his nineties, he still dreams about tailoring at night. Joe believes there is no end to becoming a Master Tailor. To him, the most perfect creation can still be improved.
Checcino Fonticoli, born in the small town of Penne, completed his apprenticeship at a traditional tailor’s shop before moving to work at Brioni – a production line factory. His opinion being, that the future lie in modern tailoring.
Vicki Vasilopolous has done a fine job with her debut documentary. Corvato, Centofanti and Fonticoli’s passion, enthusiasm and dedication to their craft will inspire all, whether you’re interested in fashion or not.
It is really a story of dreams, a story of lives and the evolving of an art-form through time.
Fashion on Film
30th of August to the 7th of September
ACMI, Federation Square, Melbourne
acmi.net.au/film/seasons-and-screenings/fashion-on-film/