PARIS–Diane Pernet’s enlightened view on fashion, combined with her support of budding talents, has made her one of today’s great ladies of La Mode. September 24-28 marks the third edition of her annual film festival ASVOFF (A Shaded View on Fashion Film) in Paris: true to her style, she brings together big stars and fresh faces to reflect on the power of the moving image.

The deadly exciting jury was recently announced and includes Mike Figgis, Paolo Roversi, Elisabeth Quin, Olivier Saillard, Michael Nyman, Bryan Adams, and Dita Von Teese. Also involved are Tavi for Talenthouse and Nick Knight’s SHOWstudio.

Last night, Fashionista had coffee and grapes with the lady of mystery in her office in Paris’ 11th arrondissement. We talked Tavi, tomorrow’s talents, and her trendy tribes and tribulations.

Fashionista: How was it working with Tavi?
Diane Pernet: She was great, she took the whole thing very seriously, she was extremely professional. But of course we had to talk to her parents, because, well, she is 14. In the end, we didn’t end up choosing the same film, so we’ll each have our own individual selection.

Where does your interest for film come from?
I’ve been interested in film forever; my first degree was actually in film, and I’ve been making small low-fi movies for years.

As for the link to fashion, as you know, I had my own brand for thirteen years, but also worked as a costume designer for, amongst others, director Amos Gitai. So I know the importance of a fashion in a film: you have to pay attention to the smallest details–a thread, a sleeve, a button might reveal something profound.

I agree–this is why some directors even work with couture designers, such as Jean Paul Gaultier for Luc Besson’s The Fifth Element…
Yes, and Paco Rabanne for Barbarella

Is fashion film considered cinema or video art?
Fashion film is a new format, it’s its own genre, and there is a real difference between the way a fashion filmmaker and a classical director think.