Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex, Fashion & Disco

Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex, Fashion & Disco is a vibrant and intriguing documentary that chronicles the exhilarating life and times of one of the most influential figures in the world of fashion – Antonio Lopez. Directed by acclaimed filmmaker James Crump, this engrossing documentary was released in 2017 and features compelling interviews and testimonials from a range of personalities who knew or were influenced by Lopez, including Joan Juliet Buck, Paul Caranicas, and Michael Chow.

The film is an entrancing visual and auditory treat, with a heavy emphasis on the late ‘60s and early ‘70s - a time when fashion and pop culture underwent significant transformation. By presenting an extraordinary array of Lopez's groundbreaking illustrations, previously unseen archival footage, and fascinating interviews, this documentary provides viewers with an immersive window into the creative world of this renowned artist, and the momentous fashion landscape of that era.

The narrative paints an elaborate portrait of Antonio Lopez, a charismatic and flamboyant figure who was instrumental in revolutionizing the fashion world. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in the Bronx, New York, Lopez emerged as a powerhouse illustrator in the 1960s and '70s. His pioneering work in styles, body types, and overall aesthetic sensibility had an enduring influence that reshaped the predominant perspectives of the fashion industry.

But this documentary is no dry exposition of facts. Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex, Fashion & Disco captures the jubilant spirit and wilful abandon of his time. By dint of meticulously curated footage and photographs, viewers are transported into the decadent era of disco, wild fashion, and free love where trends were born in the art studios and nightclubs rather than the couture studios.

The film also delves into Lopez’s diverse artistry. He was not just an artist who revolutionized fashion illustrations, but also a visionary who challenged societal norms and biases. His sketches of black and Latinx models in sensual and assertive poses dismantled racial and gender stereotypes, pushing the boundaries of acceptance and challenging mainstream norms. He was perhaps the first to celebrate diversity in fashion, carving out a space for everyone in a traditionally exclusive world.

The interviews woven throughout the film offer personal and profound insights into Lopez's life. Those close to the artist, like his partner Paul Caranicas and the writer and actress Joan Juliet Buck, provide firsthand accounts of his personal life and genius. Others, such as renowned restaurateur and artist Michael Chow, highlight Lopez's pervasive influence and legacy within the industry.

Antonio Lopez's coterie was a who's who of ascending supermodels, Hollywood stars, and fashion designers. His infectious charm and passion magnetized everyone he encountered. In this vein, the film also richly addresses the relationships he had with iconic personalities such as Karl Lagerfeld, Paloma Picasso, Grace Jones and Jessica Lange, underlining the profound influence he wielded in these connections.

As the title suggests, core elements of 70s popular culture — Sex, Fashion, and Disco — aptly describe the context in which Lopez created. These elements form the background of his art, and by extension, the documentary itself. New York City and Paris, the central arenas of Lopez's life and work, are brought to life through captivating visuals and lively anecdotes. This is not just a biography of Antonio Lopez, but also a cultural chronicle of one of the defining periods in fashion history.

Furthermore, the film discerns the tragic confrontation of the dreamy and liberated world Lopez lived against the stark reality of his premature death due to AIDS. It illustrates the fleeting nature of fame and success, while simultaneously underlining the timeless and enduring quality of Lopez's contribution to fashion and art.

In sum, Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex, Fashion & Disco is a colourful, energetic, and captivating examination of a remarkable artist's life, capturing the vibrant spirit of an era that transformed the fashion world. It invites viewers to not only learn about Antonio Lopez, but to experience and appreciate the ground-breaking creativity and the liberating cultural vibrancy of his time. This film is a must-watch for anyone interested in fashion, the transformative power of art, or the rich tapestry of 20th-century pop culture history.