Malcolm Washington Talks Directing The Piano Lesson, Red Carpet Style, and the Power of Costuming in Film

Malcolm Washington, the rising film director with a keen sense of style, is making waves not only in Hollywood but also in the world of fashion. From Willy Chavarria on the red carpet to an ever-growing collection of classic sneakers for day, the young director has become quite the one to watch—blending the effortless swagger of West Coast workwear with a deep reverence for cultural storytelling. For his directorial debut, The Piano Lesson, Washington reinterprets August Wilson’s iconic play, skillfully navigating themes of legacy, familial bonds, and the enduring power of generational narratives. At its heart, the film is about heirlooms and lineage—and surprisingly enough, those same themes are reflected in how Washington approaches fashion.

Growing up in Hollywood as the child of stylish superstars Denzel (yes, that Denzel) and Pauletta Washington, he’s no stranger to bold style choices. “I’ve always believed that fashion is more than just clothes,” he tells Vogue, reflecting on his childhood influences. “It’s about legacy, culture, and storytelling.” Whether it’s the oversized crew jackets his mother used to wear or the Dickies and Cortez sneakers that nod to his LA roots, Washington’s style is deeply personal and politically charged. It’s a mix of utilitarian ease and high-concept flair that mirrors his identity as both a filmmaker and a man rooted in a rich cultural history. His style could be a tailored Louis Vuitton suit one day, and a simple blazer paired with jeans, a classic white shirt, tie, and a baseball hat the next—very much in the vein of his father’s impeccably cool 90s aesthetic.

Washington stands in a long line of auteurs who have a holistic approach to wardrobing in film while also embodying stellar personal style. (Think: Jean-Luc Godard, Spike Lee, Baz Luhrmann, Sofia Coppola, Luca Guadagnino, and Greta Gerwig.) Just like the visual elements in his films, the clothes are a medium for deeper meaning, representing the characters’ lives, struggles, and legacies. And, like his characters, he’s not afraid to embrace contradictions—opting for soft, fluid silhouettes that still pack a punch, with a laid-back vibe that’s undeniably sharp.

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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, blending sartorial elegance, workwear, and conceptual fashion. “Malcolm is one of my favorite people to collaborate with because he’s got incredible personal style, so we just draw from that,” Henson says. “He’s very discerning and knows exactly what he wants.” That included standout looks from Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Gucci, alongside emerging brands like Setchu and MAN-TLE.

Vogue caught up with the director to discuss his fashion influences, his approach to red carpet looks, and the power of visual storytelling through film.