FW24 Raconteur Collection: An Interview with Christine Alcalay

The film is a visual representation of the collection’s key themes—transformation, identity, and the idea of becoming different versions of oneself. We used costume changes, makeup & hair, shifting backdrops, and subtle character development to show how clothing can be a catalyst for self-discovery. 

Each scene mirrors the feeling that the garments evoke: elegance, power, and grace, with an undertone of storytelling and narrative arcs. We made sure to keep the playfulness that gets lost sometimes as we get older. Clothing should be lived in through all the moments of our lives and the fun of dress up and pretending is a huge part of the power we have as children. It continues to be a power even if we realize it. So much of the film is about the possibilities we imagine when we are children, how we see ourselves, and what we hope to be. 

Collaborating with the director, Sophie Dushko, and the entire creative team was an inspiring and organic process. Everyone brought their own interpretation of Raconteur to the table, and it enriched the final outcome. Sophie’s vision helped bring the narrative to life visually, and the team’s collective talents allowed us to create something that felt like an extension of the collection itself. It was a true collaboration, with each person’s creative input shaping the story we wanted to tell.

My daughter, Thy-Lan Alcalay, choreographed the dance sequences, which were performed beautifully by her and Georgia Bryan. Watching them bring the garments to life through movement was nothing short of magical. It felt as though so many pieces of the world I’d envisioned had been shaped and made real in front of me. The choreography became a vital part of how the clothing and story intertwined—each movement amplifying the flow and structure of the pieces.

The cinematography, by Tiff Pemberton and Xiao Wang, added a layer of romance and drama to the film. The way they captured light and texture was incredible—there’s a softness to certain scenes that mirrors the more ethereal pieces in the collection, and a crisp sharpness that comes through with the more structured garments. Their work elevated the visual narrative, making it feel timeless and intimate.

The final driving element was the music, written by Jason Landon Marcus. His score created an emotional arc that perfectly complemented both the movement and the visuals. The music wasn’t just background—it was an essential part of the storytelling, helping to guide the viewer through the highs and lows of the narrative. It brought a sense of unity to the film, connecting the choreography, the cinematography, and the garments themselves in a cohesive, immersive experience.

The entire process was truly a marriage of creative prowess, and the film would not have been possible without the collective talents of everyone involved. Each person’s contribution made the story richer, and seeing all these elements come together was an incredible experience that I believe reflects the essence of Raconteur.

Each piece in the Raconteur collection is designed to evoke a sense of possibility. Whether it’s a structured suit that gives the wearer a sense of authority or a diaphanous dress that feels ethereal and light, the garments act as characters in their own right. They help the wearer transform and step into different roles depending on how they are styled or worn. It’s about creating a wardrobe that feels like a storytelling toolkit—each piece with its own narrative potential.

I hope viewers feel a sense of empowerment, that they, too, can become the narrators of their own stories through what they wear. The film is meant to inspire a feeling of transformation and possibility—showing how a simple change in clothing can evoke a different emotion or attitude. I want the audience to see how the collection can be a part of their personal stories and to feel connected to the narrative we are weaving through fashion. I hope it makes them think beyond the clothing and see how what we wear is an extension of who we are and what we will be.

This film marks a significant moment in my journey as a designer. It’s the first time I’ve used a short film to express the themes of a collection, and it felt like a natural evolution. I’ve always considered my collections as narratives, but this gave me an entirely new medium to explore storytelling. It reflects my growing interest in how fashion intersects with other forms of art, like film, and how we can create deeper, more meaningful connections with the people who wear our clothes. I’ve always had a love for film and music and it only made me even more interesting in how these mediums can take the clothes to a whole new level.

Fashion and film complement each other beautifully in this project because both are about creating a visual story. In fashion, we design garments with a vision of how they will move, how they will be worn, and what they will express. Film takes that vision one step further by allowing us to see those garments in motion, in context, with a storyline that brings them to life. This project showed me the potential for using film to deepen people's emotional connection with fashion, allowing them to experience the collection in a more immersive and cinematic way.

Watch the film and discover how you can weave your own story through the pieces of the collection. Explore the Raconteur collection, and let each garment become part of your narrative.