The Intersection of Art and Technology: Chengge Tan’s Impact on Modern Fashion Films
By John Spade
Fashion filmmaker Chengge Tan is changing the rules for making fashion films by seamlessly blending art with cutting-edge technology. As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize industries, Tan has pioneered integrating AI into the creative process, especially in restoring historical fashion films and crafting visually compelling narratives. His work not only preserves the past but also prepares future innovations in fashion storytelling.
Through his Bachelor of Science in Marketing at Fordham University and Master of Arts in luxury branding and management at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), Tan developed a unique approach to filmmaking that bridges commercial viability and artistic expression. His knowledge of business with a keen eye for aesthetics was honed through a brief stint in fashion design and modeling. However, his expertise in AI has allowed him to create films that honor fashion’s rich history while exploring futuristic possibilities.
Photo courtesy of Chengge Tan.
Secrets waiting to surface
(Chengge Tan’s 2020 film, “Self Portrait”)
AI: A Friend or Foe in Fashion Films?
Some agree that AI can assist in production, but some also agree that it lacks the artistic intuition needed for true storytelling. But for Tan, AI is not here to replace storytelling but to deepen artists’ ability to tell stories that were once impossible.
One of Tan’s most notable contributions to fashion filmmaking is his use of AI to restore historical fashion films. Traditional restoration methods often rely on limited archival materials, but Tan’s AI-driven approach transcends these limitations by reconstructing missing details with remarkable precision.
For example, his work on Polly Mellen’s legacy involved using AI algorithms to recreate the iconic editor’s 1960s aesthetic, bringing her visual narrative back to life with stunning accuracy. Tan explains that the restoration process begins with digitizing old footage to create a workable digital copy. AI algorithms then identify and remove imperfections such as scratches, dust, and faded colors while upscaling resolution to modern standards like 4K.
Reveal the unseen
These techniques ensure that even degraded footage is transformed into crisp, high-quality visuals. Additionally, AI can restore missing frames and correct motion blur, resulting in smoother, more natural-looking sequences. Tan’s attention to detail ensures that every restored film remains true to its original aesthetic while benefiting from enhanced clarity and vibrancy.
Tan mentions, “AI allows us to preserve the essence of fashion history while making it accessible and engaging for contemporary audiences. It’s restoring visuals and bringing stories back to life.”
Seeing Fashion Through a Different Lens
Unlike mainstream fashion films, which often prioritize commercial appeal, Tan’s projects—“The Peeper” and “The Invisible Lover”—are deeply personal and embrace a softer, more romantic aesthetic. His projects, defined by a “romantic yet advanced” spirit, show how technology can enhance storytelling, not replace the artist behind it.
At Douglas Keeve’s studio, Tan honed his editing and conceptual storytelling skills, working on historical projects like the Polly Mellen documentary. This experience taught him to balance history and imagination. By layering nostalgia with modern cinematography techniques, Tan crafts films that leave a lasting emotional imprint on his audience.
Tan played an essential role in one of fashion’s biggest nights—the 2024 CFDA Fashion Awards. As an assistant creative director at N PLUS N FILMS, he worked closely with industry veteran Nian Fish and a team of three others. They produced the CFDA opening film, “American Fashion 2024”, films for four nominees and seven honoree films. Each project required research, creative precision, and an understanding of fashion’s language.
Beyond the surface begins
Tan’s involvement is more than about filming. He was responsible for archival research, gathering footage of American designers from sources like magazines, social media, and brand PR teams. His work also extended to conducting interviews with designers, helping capture their creative process and the legacy they were building.
From giving new life to historical fashion icons through AI to directing independent projects that value nostalgia, Chengge Tan creates films that honor the past while discovering what is possible in modern fashion cinema. “I look forward to the future where fashion films won’t just be watched but also experienced,” he closes.