Threeasfour: A Decade of Design, Unity, and Artistic Vision Explored in Sean Ono Lennon's Documentary

Beyond the Runway: A Story of Perseverance, Art, and Cross-Cultural Harmony

Unveiling the Enduring Spirit of a Fashion Collective

While many narratives in the fashion world often spotlight the frantic preparations leading up to a show, director Sean Ono Lennon’s debut, 'Threeasfour: Full Circle,' (co-directed with Brian Gonzalez) shifts the focus to the sustained, day-to-day challenges and triumphs inherent in managing a fashion brand over a significant period. This film celebrates the steadfast dedication and remarkable talent of the avant-garde New York fashion collective, Threeasfour.

The Genesis and Transformation of an Avant-Garde Label

This resilient New York-based group commenced its journey in 1998 under the name As Four, founded by Adi Gil, Angela Donhauser, Gabi Asfour, and Kai Kühne. Initially, the quartet was a prominent fixture in the downtown scene, recognizable by their distinctive circular bags and iconic banana bikes, captivating onlookers wherever they appeared. Björk was an early proponent of their work. Following Kühne’s departure in 2005, the group rebranded as Threeasfour. Sean Lennon, deeply impressed by the final As Four collection in 2005, harbored a long-standing ambition to create a film about these designers, a vision that materialized over more than a decade. Threeasfour continues its legacy, preparing for its upcoming return to New York Fashion Week.

Artistry Beyond Apparel: A Vision of Unity and Cross-Cultural Collaboration

For Lennon, 'Threeasfour: Full Circle' is more than a fashion documentary; it examines the designers as individuals and as prime examples of cross-cultural teamwork. He posits that their collective experience offers valuable lessons for everyone, particularly in an era marked by global discord and an obsession with curated perfection. The film underscores the importance of conviction and action, whether in the realm of fashion or life itself.

Connecting Threads: The Unfolding of Sean Lennon's Creative Endeavor with Threeasfour

The journey of capturing the essence of Threeasfour on film spanned over a decade, a testament to the patient dedication of its creators. Sean Lennon reflects on the extensive timeline, acknowledging the sheer duration it took to bring the project to fruition. The designers, for their part, displayed remarkable adaptability to being continuously filmed, a process that Lennon found inspiring. Despite initial frustrations with the slow pace, Lennon ultimately recognized that the lengthy process was crucial for the film’s authenticity and depth.

The Core Message: Unity, Inspiration, and Transcending Divisions

When asked about the documentary's central message, Sean Lennon articulated his desire to showcase the extraordinary artistry of Threeasfour, which had profoundly moved and inspired him. Adi Gil elaborated, highlighting two key themes: unity and collaboration, emphasizing the collective's diverse origins from regions often marked by conflict. This aligns with the message of unity championed by Lennon's parents. Secondly, the film aims to inspire a new generation to pursue their dreams, stressing the importance of perseverance despite the challenges inherent in artistic careers.

A Global Family: Embracing Diversity and Human Connection

Sean Lennon further expounded on the film's profound message of transcending national and cultural boundaries to recognize a universal human family. He noted Gabi's Lebanese and Palestinian heritage, Adi's Israeli background, and Angela's journey from Tajikistan to Germany, alongside former member Kai from Germany, as a vivid demonstration of diverse individuals uniting. This aspect, he believes, is the true essence of the film: a living illustration of a world where humanity sees beyond borders, racial distinctions, and conflicts.

The Philosophy of Form: Curved Lines as a Metaphor for Nature and Creativity in Fashion

The conversation pivoted to the philosophical underpinnings of Threeasfour's design, particularly their exclusive use of curvilinear seams. Sean Lennon pointed out that creating straight lines is an industry standard, but the choice of curves distinguishes their work from mass-produced items. He metaphorically linked this distinction to the difference between nature and industry, where curves represent organic beauty and straight lines, manufactured regularity. Gabi, appreciating this deeper interpretation, connected it to broader concepts of consciousness and human representation. He discussed how clothing acts as a second skin and an extension of the body, emphasizing the importance of understanding this extension in communication and self-awareness. Gabi further elaborated on the idea that mathematics, physics, and chemistry are integral to the human body, suggesting that our existence in a virtual reality composed of vibrating particles influences how we perceive ourselves, others, and our environment.

The Documentary's Structure and the Industry's Creative Tensions

Lennon explained that the film's narrative structure emerged organically during its prolonged production. This extended timeline allowed them to document Threeasfour over five years, integrating their personal origin stories into a comprehensive human saga. He highlighted the tension between the demands of the fashion industry and the artists' creative instincts, a struggle familiar to any artist. The film explores how Threeasfour navigates this tension, creating objectively extraordinary work within an industry that can often be impersonal and detached from pure artistic and aesthetic values.

A "New York Love Story" and the Fading Spirit of a Bygone Era

The discussion also touched upon the film's identity as a 'New York story.' Lennon affirmed this, noting that the city's unique ability to bring together people from disparate backgrounds aligns perfectly with Threeasfour's ethos of global unity. Angela described it as a 'New York love story' among diverse individuals united by shared dreams and the bonds formed within a supportive community. Kai reflected on the 'magical encounter' of Asfour in late '90s New York, lamenting the loss of an era where spontaneous connections flourished before the advent of ubiquitous mobile technology. Adi emphasized that New York was, and remains, a place where individuals can embrace their true selves, regardless of their background or identity.

Enduring Bonds and a Message of Hope Amidst Global Strife

Sean Lennon expressed his deep admiration for Threeasfour, not only as artists but also as friends. He sees their unwavering unity, despite coming from vastly different cultural, political, and religious backgrounds, as a powerful example for young artists in a world often fractured by disputes over intellectual property or power. Angela underscored their lifelong commitment to each other. Gabi attributed their resilience to an unyielding commitment to truth and love, which has enabled them to overcome numerous challenges and maintain their collective vision. Lennon concluded by emphasizing the timely relevance of the film's message, particularly in light of current global conflicts. He believes Threeasfour serves as a living testament to humanity's capacity to transcend political and governmental divisions, fostering understanding and connection between individuals.

Honest Portrayal: Vulnerability, Persistence, and Collective Triumph

The film's portrayal of obstacles and challenges faced by Threeasfour is continuous, providing a balanced narrative that showcases both their struggles and their steadfast determination. Sean Lennon expressed gratitude for the designers' willingness to be vulnerable and to allow their difficult experiences to be captured on film. He hopes that viewers will be inspired by their journey of overcoming adversity through perseverance, friendship, and love.

Fashion as a Collective Art Form: Challenging the "Star System"

The collaborative nature of Threeasfour's work stands as a powerful counter-narrative to the prevailing 'star system' in fashion, emphasizing that design is inherently a collective practice. Gabi explained the significance of 'three us four,' a name derived from his surname 'Asfour' (meaning 'a bird' in Arabic), which reflected their initial quartet. The name evolved to 'Threeasfour' after Kai's departure, symbolizing their enduring collective identity.

A Timeless Aesthetic: Embracing Verité Filmmaking

Sean Lennon, along with co-director and cinematographer Brian Gonzalez, aimed for a timeless, classic elegance in the film's aesthetic, shunning overly modern techniques. Their approach was inspired by 1970s Maysles films, focusing on an observational, verité style that allowed the subjects to speak for themselves rather than imposing preconceived notions. This choice resulted in an 'older school' filmmaking style that authentically captured the designers as they are.

Opening Minds and Embracing Vulnerability: The Path to Creative Flow

Angela shared a profound insight: letting go of ego is crucial for personal and collective harmony, suggesting that ego is a primary source of conflict at all levels. She advocated for embracing vulnerability and openness, believing that true magic unfolds when ego is set aside. Gabi added that maintaining an open mind to 'vibration' allows inspiration to flow, guiding their collective creative process based on mutual agreement. Angela concluded by emphasizing that curiosity and open-mindedness are essential for receiving such inspiration.