There are many excellent fashion documentaries that offer a glimpse into the industry's most iconic figures, brands, and movements. Here's a curated list of some of the best:
Documentaries about Iconic Designers & Personalities:
- Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel (2011) This film chronicles the vibrant life of Diana Vreeland, from her early years in Paris to her legendary tenures at Harper's Bazaar and Vogue, and her consulting role at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. It showcases how she reshaped fashion's visual language with her instinct and audacity.
- McQueen (2018) This documentary explores the life and work of the groundbreaking British designer Alexander McQueen.
- Martin Margiela: In His Own Words (2019) This documentary provides a rare look into the mind of the famously reclusive designer, Martin Margiela, who redefined fashion through deconstructed and radical designs while remaining out of the spotlight.
- Very Ralph (2019) This documentary delves into the life of American designer Ralph Lauren, featuring interviews with Lauren, his family, and fashion luminaries like Karl Lagerfeld and Naomi Campbell.
- Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist (2018) Largely narrated by Vivienne Westwood herself, this film tells the story of her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a punk fashion pioneer and sociocultural activist.
- High & Low: John Galliano (2023) Directed by Kevin Macdonald, this documentary investigates the controversial career of John Galliano, from his iconic 90s shows to his public downfall and subsequent return to the fashion world.
- Iris (2014) This film celebrates Iris Apfel, an icon known for her bold and unique style, showcasing her devotion to fashion as she advises models and curates her own ensembles.
- The Gospel According to André (2017) This documentary tells the life story of the late André Leon Talley, from his childhood in the segregated South to becoming a highly respected fashion editor.
- Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards (2017) This documentary explores the life of Manolo Blahnik, from his early days making shoes for lizards to becoming one of the most influential footwear designers.
- Diane von Furstenberg: Woman in Charge (2024) This Hulu original documentary chronicles the life and career of Diane von Furstenberg, highlighting her iconic "wrap dress" and her impact on women's fashion and empowerment.
- Invisible Beauty (2023) Narrated by Bethann Hardison, this documentary highlights her decades of advocacy for Black representation in fashion and her impact on industry-wide change.
- Bill Cunningham New York (2010) This intimate profile captures the life and work of the late New York Times street style photographer Bill Cunningham, featuring interviews with fashion figures like Anna Wintour and Iris Apfel.
Documentaries about Fashion Houses & Industry Insides:
- The September Issue (2009) This well-known documentary offers an insider's look at the creation of American Vogue's most important issue of the year, following editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and her team.
- Dior and I (2014) This film captures the challenges and triumphs of Raf Simons as he creates his first haute couture collection as creative director of Dior.
- The Super Models (2023) This four-part docu-series on Apple TV+ explores the careers of Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington, detailing their rise to superstardom in the 80s and 90s.
- Franca: Chaos and Creation (2016) A personal favorite of some critics, this documentary focuses on Franca Sozzani, a disruptive editor in Vogue's history who believed fashion should reflect the times and not shy away from political statements.
- 7 Days Out: Chanel Haute Couture Fashion Show: This documentary offers a look at the week leading up to a Chanel haute couture show through the eyes of former Creative Director Karl Lagerfeld.
Documentaries on the Impact of Fashion:
- White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch (2022) This documentary explores the controversial history of the early-aughts brand Abercrombie & Fitch.
- Brandy Hellville & the Cult of Fast Fashion (2024) This film investigates allegations of racism, fatphobia, and sexism against the fast-fashion brand Brandy Melville.
Just now