Limitations are the fuel of creativity - in that spirit, here are a few suggestions for some inspiring holiday entertainment.

After what has been an unusual (or possibly dramatic) year to most, this Christmas period promises to be a tranquil period - at least for those thankfully unaffected by the ongoing crisis. A period for introspection, but also an opportunity to take a look to the left and right of those everyday life’s concerns at the centre of all our usual considerations. 

A trip to Naples would mark such an opportunity. There, director Gianluca Migliarotti, introduces us to traditional Neapolitan men’s bespoke tailoring in O’Mast (available to rent on Vimeo). ‘O’Mast’ is Neapolitan for ‘master’, which in this context refers both to the clients on whose behalf a suit isn’t merely made, but created, and those master craftsmen not only performing outstanding work, but also keeping this magnificent craft alive. 

As beautiful as O’Mast's vivid depictions of Naples’ decaying beauty are, it’s the insights gained by the tailors’ comments, coupled with impressions of them going about their daily work, that linger on. Dedication, professionalism and pride are to be expected from such craftsmen, but the relationships with their clients, which involve considerable intimacy and high levels of trust, depict a unique amalgamation of artistry and creativity. 

Intriguingly, the Neapolitan tailors’ ethos turns out to be not too dissimilar to that of a rather more celebrated creative. Watching Rams, directed by Gary Hustwit, one learns not only that Braun’s venerated former chief designer possesses a dry sense of humour (and, despite his public contempt for automotive design, a Porsche 993), but also that the German’s work ethic is closely aligned with a personal interpretation of the categorical imperative. 

Like those unknown Neapolitan craftsmen, Dieter Rams ponders the purpose of his work and what it does to those it is created for - the main difference being that the German master created a philosophical framework for his modus operandi (Gute Form), whereas his Italian counterparts-of-sorts act on the basis of a combination of instinct, tradition and humility. (Rams is available to rent on the director’s own website.)

Watching Rams and O’Mast in quick succession highlights that it doesn’t matter much whether one creates forms and functions in metal and plastic for the many or wool and silk for the few. What does matter is the mindset informing either task - the principles one adheres to, the care one applies to both the craft and the ideology of one’s work.

This also applies, albeit in different form, to Dutch chef, Sergio Herman. An autodidact, Herman transformed his parents’ humble eatery, Oud Sluis, into one of the world’s most celebrated gourmet mekkas. In the unfortunately titled Fucking Perfect, director, Willemiek Kluijfhout, depicts the last months of Herman running Oud Sluis before its closing. Herman’s motivation for ending this chapter wasn’t lack of financial success, but fear of fatigue - having received every single one of the culinary world’s accolades, he felt compelled to close Oud Sluis on a high. Moreover, one learns that his wife also demanded some more quality time for herself and their children. 

That Herman has been far from idle during the five years since Fucking Perfect was released comes as no surprise at all, as the chef is portrayed as being utterly restless, driven, possibly even somewhat manic a character. Most fascinatingly, a scene involving Herman and his sous-chef brainstorming a new dish, using only their imaginations for both its presentation and taste, is something to behold. As are, obviously, the dishes created throughout the film’s running time. (Fucking Perfect is available on Amazon Prime.)

The tailors of Napoli, Dieter Rams and Sergio Herman may all have worked in different fields, reaching very different levels of fame and celebrity in the process. They are also extraordinarily varied characters and temperaments, standing for different generations and cultures. Yet they all share that special combination of inspiration and  aspiration that are the essence of any kind of creative success. 

For this special Christmas period, they are all most definitely worth one’s while.