FEATURE FRIDAY: Mignon Gould on the Fashion Film Festival she Launched, Movies, and More

Mignon Gould is a force to be reckoned with. She began her career as a style and fashion writer at The Arizona Republic, later going on to found the now-archived TheChicSpy.com, which showcased filmmakers and designers. Fast-forward to today, and not only has she owned MIGNONMEDIA, which helps small business owners to shape their brand narrative, for more than 10 years, but she is also the founder of FashFilmFete, a premier film festival celebrating the history—and future—of fashion storytelling. The 2023 festival will be held on Sept. 23 at Phoenix Art Museum and will honor Ruth E. Carter and Patricia Field, two icons in the costume design field.

Here, we chat about FashFilmFete, her favorite films that celebrate fashion, and her favorite places in Scottsdale.

What is FashFilmFete?

FashFilmFete is a premiere film festival exploring the history, and future, of fashion storytelling through the curation of Hollywood, indie, experimental, and documentary films to showcase the significance of fashion in filmmaking. In addition, our goal is to support historically underrepresented voices in fashion and film.

It will be taking place on Sat., Sept.23, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Phoenix Art Museum, and the virtual festival will be Sept. 24 to Oct. 8 on the Filmocracy platform at www.fashfilmfete.tv.

What inspired you to launch this event?

I formerly was the editor-in-chief of an online style and entertainment magazine and I had the opportunity to interview fashion and film insiders and learn more about the work that goes on behind the scenes. But I’ve always loved how fashion could elevate a film and help bring the character to life. The films that truly sparked my passion for fashion in film are Mahogany (1975) starring Diana Ross (she designed the costumes) and Breakfast at Tiffany’s(1961), starring Audrey Hepburn (this film introduced the little black dress).

Now that FashFilmFete is in its second year, is there anything new you’ve added?

Yes, this year we are honoring the work of iconic costume designers Ruth E. Carter (Black Panther, Selma, Sparkle) and Patricia Field (Sex and the City, Emily in Paris, The Devil Wears Prada) with the Costume Design Career Achievement Awards in Film and TV. We are screening Happy Clothes: A Film About Patricia Field and will have a Q&A with the director Michael Selditch and Patricia’s assistant Erica Guzman, who is the associate producer on the film and also helped style Emily in Paris.

What are your Top 5 favorite films that truly highlight/celebrate fashion as a form of storytelling?

I mentioned two of my favorites above, so I won’t repeat those, there are so many that have been impactful going all the way back to 1929 during the silent film era. But, these are the more current films that rank high on my list:

The Great Gatsby (original and remake)

Black Panther: Wakanda Forever

The Devil Wears Prada

Dream Girls

Clueless

FashFilmFete has our 18 top fashion films HERE.

When you’re not working, we’d find you …

When am I not working? But I do break to watch fashion films!

Motto or quote you live by?

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

Favorite places to go in Scottsdale?

Scottsdale Fashion Square for dinner and a movie, and of course shopping; and a weekend getaway at Hotel Valley Ho.

Where do you hope to see yourself and FashFilmFete in 10 years?

Hosting popup fashion film festivals around the country, being the Michelin of costume awards for major film festivals and an interactive streaming platform focused on fashion-centric programming.

Time Is Eternal, the 2023 Best Short winner. Photo courtesy Daniel M. Lir and Bayou Bennett of Dream Team Directors