Cunnington & Sanderson x Gola collaborate in the creation of the Ballad dress, worn for the World Premiere of the Film 'Mortician', Directed by Abdolreza Kahani, presented at the Edinburgh International Film Festival 14.08.25.
In Mortician, a reclusive mortician 'Nima Sadrzadeh' faces an unusual request from a dissident singer in hiding 'Gola', their bond providing the beating heart of this disarmingly elegant film, Director Abdolreza Kahani's film is both utterly distinctive and affecting. 'Edinburgh International Film Festival'.
From the very beginning of the collaboration with Cunnington & Sanderson and Gola the decision was made to create a garment inspired by the storytelling fim, with the aim to wear specifically at the Premiere red carpet event in Edinburgh.
How the Ballad dress was created.
We wanted to capture the films meaningful story, and as fashion designers we are pioneers in storytelling and so this was were the inspiraration began.
It was imperative to capture the meaningful words and emotions evoked from the film, and to include heartfelt song lyrics written by Gola.
Gola's starring lead role within the film struggles to have her story heard and so we wanted our message to be unavoidable.
"Storytelling banners were to be worn for all to see".
Every piece of cloth was selcted and measured and then ripped apart, torn by hand to leave unfinished raw edges. The act of tearing the fabric stirs emotions in preporation for the poignant words to be written upon.
Painted by hand the personal and sentimental messages are sensitivly draped upon the wearer and individual tied and knotted onto the body, proudly displaying the words to be read and seen.
Listen, Truth Will Sing, Create Dreams, Courage, I Am Tomorrow's Sun, Empathy, Defiant, Freedom Is My Truth are a selection of the words on display.
Cunnington & Sanderson are so proud to be given this wonderful opportunity to collaborate with Singer / Actress / Artist - Gola, and to create this bespoke, one of a kind garment that is meaningful, powerful and shouts emotions.
Mortician Awarded Winner of the 'Sean Connery' Prize, for feature Filmaking Excellence.
