Malcolm Washington, the rising film director with a keen sense of style, is making waves not only in Hollywood, but also in the fashion world. From Willy Chavarria on the red carpet to an expanding collection of classic daytime sneakers, the young director has become a true head turner, combining the effortless swagger of West Coast workwear with a deep reverence for cultural storytelling. For his directorial debut The piano lessonWashington reinterprets August Wilson’s iconic play, expertly navigating themes of legacy, family ties, and the enduring power of generational stories. At its core, the film is about heirlooms and lineage – and surprisingly, those same themes are reflected in Washington’s approach to fashion.
Growing up in Hollywood as the child of stylish superstars Denzel (yes, that Denzel) and Pauletta Washington, he is no stranger to bold style choices. “I have always believed that fashion is more than just clothes,” he says Fashionreflecting on his childhood influences. “It’s about heritage, culture and storytelling.” Whether it’s the oversized crew jackets his mother wore or the Dickies and Cortez sneakers that reference his LA roots, Washington’s style is deeply personal and politically charged. It’s a mix of utilitarian ease and high-concept flair that reflects his identity as a filmmaker and as a man rooted in a rich cultural history. His style could be a custom Louis Vuitton suit one day, and a simple blazer paired with jeans, a classic white shirt, a tie and a baseball hat the next – very much in the vein of the impeccably cool aesthetic of his father from the 90s.
Washington stands in a long line of authors who take a holistic approach to clothing in film, while also embodying great personal style. (Think: Jean-Luc Godard, Spike Lee, Baz Luhrmann, Sofia Coppola, Luca Guadagnino and Greta Gerwig.) Like the visual elements in his films, the clothes are a medium for a deeper meaning, which captures the lives and struggles of the characters represent. , and inheritances. And like his characters, he’s not afraid to embrace contradictions – opting for soft, flowing silhouettes that still make an impact, with a relaxed atmosphere that’s undeniably edgy.
Karwai Tang
Emma McIntyre/Getty Images
For the highly anticipated press tour of his first feature film, Washington enlisted the help of stylist Matthew Henson, whom he sought out for his “low-key, tasteful” vibe. Together, the duo curated a masterclass in menswear, combining sartorial elegance, workwear and conceptual fashion. “Malcolm is one of my favorite people to work with because he has an incredible personal style, so we just draw from that,” says Henson. “He is very critical and knows exactly what he wants.” That included standout looks from Bottega Veneta, Prada and Gucci, alongside emerging brands like Setchu and COAT.
Fashion spoke with the director to discuss his fashion influences, his approach to red carpet looks and the power of visual storytelling through film.