A filmic fusion of fabric and horsepower

Directed by Robert dos Santos, this mesmerising Africa-inspired Western, The Dreamer, is love letter to the landscape of the Maluti Mountains of Lesotho. 

This little known corner of South Africa provides a jaw-dropping backdrop to the story of a model racing along on horseback towards an uncertain fate. 

With the help of the online motor marketplace Cars.co.za, Dos Santos reached out to Mercedes-Benz who came on board with the yellow AMG sports car, the colour and pattern of which inspired the one-of-a-kind garment. The leather trimmings on the outfit reference the saddle and reins of the horse.

Explaining the vision behind the film, dos Santos says, "Lesotho is an unknown gem. The moment you cross the border you are thrown into an incredible and beautiful landscape filled with the most remarkably beautiful people." Of his approach to fashion films in general he says, "for me, fashion films should be likened to runway fashion, it has nothing to do with practicality but everything to do with feeling."

Shooting The Dreamer was a journey in itself – the flight to Lesotho had to be abandoned and turned around 10 minutes after take off due to poor weather, heavy and expensive film gear had to be carted 2500m up a mountain, and shooting took place along a shear cliff face.