Chloe Fineman Blends Comedy and Couture in Giorgio Armani’s Crossroads Short Film
Comedian and actress Chloe Fineman is stepping into the world of high fashion with Giorgio Armani’s Crossroads, a short film series directed by Celine Song, known for her emotionally resonant storytelling. The fifth installment of the series brings together women from different creative fields, including actresses Tecla Insolia, Alissa Jung, and Sheila Atim, along with ballerina Tan Yuanyuan, to reflect on the defining moments that shaped their careers.
Fineman, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live, explores the surprising overlap between fashion and comedy, emphasizing that both are built on craft, creativity, and the element of surprise. Speaking about her decision to join the project, she said, “Armani and Celine Song? I mean, pretty tough sell! Are you kidding me?” She praised Song’s ability to evoke deep emotion, comparing her directing to the experience of hearing a song that “suddenly punches you in the gut.” For Fineman, collaborating with a brand that celebrates artistry, craftsmanship, and strong women was an easy yes.
Filmed in a picturesque villa in Italy, the experience was both surreal and educational for the comedian. Fineman described working with Song as “total heaven,” explaining that the director’s attention to subtle gestures—like a glance or a hand movement—taught her the power of minimalism in performance. Despite feeling “a little out of place” among the cast of classically trained artists, Fineman quickly realized they shared the same joy of creating. “Whether it’s comedy, ballet, or film, it’s all about the art of expression,” she said.
Each woman in the film was asked to recall a pivotal decision that changed the course of her life. For Fineman, that turning point came when she shifted from pursuing serious classical theater to embracing comedy in her late twenties. She recalled her early days at NYU, where she and Song both studied, describing herself as a serious actor chasing indie film roles that never materialized. The move to comedy wasn’t so much a reinvention, she said, but “a beautiful evolution.”
Fineman also reflected on how the project deepened her appreciation for fashion as storytelling. She believes that clothing, like acting or film, is “a form of creative expression.” During filming, Song even used shots of Fineman’s heels and jacket sleeves to communicate emotion—a reminder that every detail in fashion tells part of a story.
When asked about the connection between comedy and fashion, Fineman drew a playful comparison: “At its best, fashion takes you by surprise, which is totally the same with comedy. When someone does something unexpected, we laugh—or we gasp!”
The comedian wore two standout Armani looks for the film: a sequined black vest and pant set, and a Diane Keaton–inspired pantsuit. She revealed that honoring Keaton’s timeless originality felt particularly meaningful, especially since the actress passed away shortly after filming.
Fineman summed up the essence of the collaboration by calling Armani “timeless artistry at its finest,” highlighting the brand’s craftsmanship—“just the silk shirts alone were perfection.” The short film captures that sense of crossroads, showcasing how each woman’s path, though distinct, is bound by creativity and self-discovery.
For more on Giorgio Armani’s Crossroads series and Chloe Fineman’s feature, visit the official Armani page and read Harper’s Bazaar’s coverage for the full interview.
