Fashion Related Movies offer a unique lens through which to explore the captivating world of style, design, and the personalities that shape the industry. Beyond pure entertainment, these films serve as a source of inspiration, education, and a glimpse into the often-unseen aspects of fashion. From fictional narratives that capture the fantasy of high fashion to biographical accounts of iconic designers and insightful documentaries, there’s a diverse range of fashion films to satisfy every style enthusiast.
Fictional films often dramatize the allure and intensity of the fashion world, offering a heightened, yet engaging, perspective. The Devil Wears Prada stands as a quintessential example, providing a memorable and often humorous look at the demands of working at a high-fashion magazine. The film, loosely inspired by Vogue and Anna Wintour, has become a cultural touchstone for anyone intrigued by the industry’s fast pace and high stakes.
Biopics delve into the lives of fashion’s most influential figures, revealing the stories behind the names and brands we admire. Saint Laurent (2014) offers a look at the 1970s era of Yves Saint Laurent, portraying his creative intensity and personal struggles during a period of significant cultural shift. Similarly, Gia explores the tragic story of Gia Carangi, one of the original supermodels whose brief but impactful career redefined the modeling world. McQueen provides a poignant and powerful account of Lee McQueen’s journey, celebrating his design genius and daring approach while acknowledging the personal challenges he faced. For a more recent biographical series, Halston on Netflix chronicles Roy Halston Frowick’s rise to fame, his minimalist aesthetic that defined American fashion in the 70s and 80s, and the battles he faced to protect his brand. Another biographical film, Yves Saint Laurent (2014), presents a different perspective on the designer’s life, focusing on his early career at Dior and the establishment of his own fashion house.
Documentaries offer an invaluable peek behind the curtain of the fashion industry, showcasing the real people and processes that drive it. Dior and I captures Raf Simons’ initial period as creative director at Christian Dior, highlighting the craftsmanship and teamwork involved in creating haute couture collections. Bill Cunningham: New York celebrates the legacy of the iconic street style photographer who documented everyday fashion with unwavering dedication. Iris shines a light on the extraordinary Iris Apfel, showcasing her vibrant personality and unique approach to style and life at 102 years young. The September Issue grants viewers access to the inner workings of Vogue magazine during the creation of its most crucial issue of the year, offering insights into Anna Wintour’s leadership and the creative dynamics within the publication. Antonio Lopez 1970: Sex Fashion & Disco transports audiences to 1970s New York City, celebrating the influential fashion illustrator and his connections to figures like Yves Saint Laurent and Karl Lagerfeld. The Super Models docuseries revisits the era of 90s supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista, and Christy Turlington, exploring their careers and the shift they brought to the modeling industry. Martin Margiela: In His Own Words provides a rare look into the world of the enigmatic designer Martin Margiela, known for his avant-garde and deconstructed designs. See Know Evil tells the heartbreaking story of Davide Sorrenti, a photographer who defined the “heroin chic” aesthetic of the 90s. The First Monday in May demystifies the Met Gala, documenting the meticulous planning behind fashion’s biggest night and the 2015 “China: Through the Looking Glass” exhibition. Dries offers an intimate year-long observation of designer Dries Van Noten’s creative process. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel pays homage to the legendary Diana Vreeland, celebrating her unparalleled influence at Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. The Gospel According to Andre celebrates the life and career of André Leon Talley, a pivotal figure in fashion journalism and a champion for diversity. Finally, Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist explores the career of Vivienne Westwood, tracing her punk origins and her ongoing activism within the fashion world.
Beyond these categories, other films use fashion as a central element in their narratives. Funny Face, starring Audrey Hepburn, is a classic fashion fantasy where a bookshop clerk becomes a model in Paris, showcasing iconic Givenchy designs. Blow-Up, a cult classic, features a fashion photographer who unwittingly captures a crime, set against the backdrop of 1960s London fashion. House of Gucci dramatizes the turbulent Gucci family dynasty with high drama and even higher fashion, featuring Lady Gaga and Adam Driver in stunning Gucci ensembles. Phantom Thread, set in 1950s London haute couture, is a love story with breathtaking costumes designed by Mark Bridges. Ready to Wear offers a satirical look at Paris Fashion Week, while Unzipped provides a behind-the-scenes perspective on the chaotic and creative world of designer Isaac Mizrahi in the 90s.
Whether you’re seeking style inspiration, industry insight, or simply a captivating story, fashion related movies offer a rich and diverse cinematic experience for anyone passionate about the world of fashion.
