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

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 …