Kenzo's New Fashion Film Is an Homage to Black Artistry

Kahlil Joseph, who famously worked on Beyoncé's visual album Lemonade, has shot and directed a film for French luxury house Kenzo. "It's our fourth film, and they've never been fashion films,” said Kenzo’s creative director Humberto Leon, “I would say each director that made each of the films would say they're a part of the body of their work and that's important."

The film, titled Music is my Mistress, transcends your typical fashion campaign with a powerful political message. An homage to black artistry and activism, the video stars Jesse Williams and Tracee Ellis Ross, and opens with a R rating for “strong language and overt blackness throughout” to make the statement that blackness is still largely considered a threat today. Music is My Mistress notably showcases original music by both classical cellist Kelsey Lu and rap group Shabazz Palaces, each of whom make a cameo. 

"I'm really inspired by people that speak up," Leon said. "People who are talking about what's important to them, politics-wise, and I'm inspired by anybody who's willing to use their platform to talk about things that matter to them.” Watch, below.