Documentary about Bethann Hardison, model turned modeling agency owner and activist, proves that representation matters.
Hardison, who co-directed “Invisible Beauty” with Frédéric Tcheng, the director of “Halston” and several other fashion documentaries, is a person whose ambitions run high.
After a short stint with the agency Click, Hardison opened her own shop in 1984, focused on advancing the careers of a more racially diverse talent pool. She accomplished that goal but closed Bethann Management in 1996. Hardison had bigger fish to fry yet: In 2013, she famously released anThose milestones are but a few of the highlights of a remarkable career and life — with a focus on racial reckoning — that “Invisible Beauty” dutifully covers.
On camera, Hardison is frank, speaking of her romantic relationships and a complicated relationship with her son, the actor Kadeem Hardison — for whom she was not the most attentive or present mother — with at times surprising candor.But it is Hardison’s work — the fight for greater representation and equity for people of color in fashion — that is the film’s, and Hardison’s, true focus.
By the end of “Invisible Beauty,” it’s obvious from all the accolades that she made a difference in the lives of a new generation of Black models. About that, however, she does not care. “I’m not trying to help Black people,” Hardison says. “I’m trying to educate White people.” For that audience, this film should be required viewing.At the Angelika Film Center Mosaic and the Cinema Arts Theatre. Contains strong language and nudity. 115 minutes.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Video shows curious Kayvon Thibodeaux moment on Giants sidelineKayvon Thibodeaux has largely been invisible to start the season.
Read more »
'Flipside' Review: Chris Wilcha’s Documentary Looks at the Shaggy, Unexpected Directions Life Takes UsThe Judd Apatow-produced doc shows the fragmented, but beautiful ways that life often comes together.
Read more »
Proenza Schouler and Merit Beauty’s New Collaboration Delivers Great Skin and a Must-Have BagAfter partnering on a series of runway beauty looks, the two brands distill their shared vision into a limited-edition set, complete with a vegan leather edition of Merit’s classic tie bag.
Read more »