Written By: Samantha Cee

***Credits: Photo by: Christopher Horne HMU: Lady Santos***
***Styling by: Chester Canasa | Location: The Boombox Room***

The intertwining worlds of fashion and film have always influenced each other, with costume design playing a pivotal role in bringing characters to life on the big screen. However, there is a new trend emerging in the fashion industry where award-winning producers and directors have also become fashion influencers.

Award-winning producer and director Maria Soccor has a deep understanding of visual storytelling and the power it holds in captivating audiences. Through her films, she creates captivating narratives and in-person Maria’s fashion style showcases stunning visuals that is inspiring other fashionistas.

How does it feel to be Maria Soccor?

Maria: I feel like a fine suit ready to enter the world one room at a time! Recently, I have discovered how to live the life I want to live, and the career path I want to take to the next level. I have never been better and healthier, spiritually, mentally, emotionally and physically.

What does fashion mean to you and how would you describe your fashion style?

Maria: Fashion empowers me. It has always been an extension of my creativity and identity. If I am not already in formal attire, I always dress it up, even if it’s casual.

As an actress, writer, director, and producer do you ever get styled by fashion designers or stylists or do you style yourself?

Maria: I get styled by fashion designers, jewelers, top hair stylists and make-up artists. Occasionally, I have to put things together myself. When I put something together myself, you can be sure that LVMH and Alexander McQueen are involved.

What crosses your mind fashion-wise when it’s time to get ready for a big event such as Cannes?

Maria: When it comes to Cannes, the first thing that comes to my mind are the formal dresses followed by the professional outfits for panels. Everything is carefully selected, including my shoes, hairstyles, make-up, jewelry, and accessories when necessary.

There is so much preparation that goes into a Cannes red carpet moment or any red carpet moment. It is the one time, hair, make-up, nails, jewelry, shoes, dress, the fragrance, all come together artistically in the name of haute couture. When making a statement with “the dress”, meaning the overall look, the emotions, the energy, the posture, the magic all come together and it is truly a moment of artistry for all involved. It’s very special.

For the 75th and 76th Cannes Film Festival, I was able to collaborate with Candy Lowen at her atelier in New York. Every year we come up with something unique and sensational. I also wore a dress from Louis Vuitton this year that stylist Nelson Oustriére insisted I get for The Idol Premiere red carpet and he was spot on. Every year, I am fortunate to be able to have several looks for special moments and events.

Speaking of Cannes.. What was this experience like? What did you participate in? Please tell us all about it.

Maria: Going to The French Riviera to see the majority of the industry’s professionals coming to celebrate film is extraordinary! Every year I meet with like-minded professionals and superb people that are so ambitious to make films. Every year’s experience enhances my career and broadens my perspective on what’s cutting edge in the film market.

This year it was the panels I participated in that brought me to Cannes. I moderated a panel for Winston Baker, followed by attending NYWIFT’s first panel at Cannes- A Conversation About Women Storytellers from the Arab World, and at AMPAV — The Art of Movie Music. I was invited to Sam Levinson’s — The Idol Premiere and Frédéric Tellier’s — L’ Abbé Pierre — Une Vie De Combats. Of course, being a guest of Campari is always a special benefit!

At the Marché du Film, Cannes Docs is truly the place to be for documentary film professionals. It gave me the opportunity to learn about the documentary scene around the world. Although I was more casual for The Marchè du Film, I still accented my looks with fabulous accessories and gold hoop earrings.

What film projects have you recently wrapped and what are you preparing to work on?

Maria: For two years, I have been working on Freestyle Music: The Legacy I am writing, directing, and producing. This September, we will be going into post-production. I am also continuing to work with the mega talent Robert Clivillés on his two upcoming projects, and an American treasure of a photographer, Neal Slavin, on a documentary film about photography.

In another year or so, I will be wrapped on Sybil: In Her Own Words I am directing and co-writing with Dr. Patrick Suraci, who authored the book about Sybil, who is Shirley Mason; and Tille, the story of the late civil rights activist Tille Bing Bryant, and her heroic activism, of participating in lunch counter sit-ins, during the civil rights movement.

What is your biggest future goal?

Maria: To make great films for years to come, while maintaining my profession as an actress.

What will be your Summer 2023 Fashion go-to’s this summer?

Maria: I’m sticking to pink with the current Barbie craze and anything that shows it’s a hot girl summer paying homage to Beyonce’s glamourous Renaissance tour!

More on Maria Soccor:

From producing to directing and acting, Maria Soccor is a dynamic force behind award-winning productions such as Lords of BSV and Kicks. Her remarkable work has garnered recognition and numerous prestigious awards, solidifying her position as a prominent figure in the film industry and for branded content. She won Best Director at The Madrid International Film Festival in 2015, and Best Music in A Film with her composer, James Manno of Jamman Productions for Lords of BSV which played on Redbull TV for five years. Lords of BSV made its digital television debut on July 31, 2016, on Red Bull TV, and was available on VOD (Video On Demand). Soccor’s Lords of BSV has garnished 13 awards across the world, and Kicks has given her two, with the film currently being shown on Shorts.TV, the biggest distributor for Oscar, BAFTA, and high-level award-winning shorts.

In 2019, The Hell’s Kitchen Film Festival honored her as Filmmaker of the Year and she won Best Director of a Short for Kicks, which she wrote, acted in, and directed.

Get connected: MariaSoccorProductions.com & IMDb | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter