The Best Fashion Documentaries To Watch Now
UPDATED JANUARY 2020
7 Days Out
Part of a six-part series documenting the lead up to some of the world's biggest and most exclusive events, episode five is a real treat. Prepare to be taken backstage for an up close and personal look at some of the last work done by the late Karl Lagerfeld, as the iconic designer prepares for Chanel’s Haute Couture show at Paris Fashion Week.
Watch here.
Alexa Chung: Future of Fashion
Designer, presenter and all-round 'It' girl Alexa’s mini-series for Vogue online covers everything, from how to build a career in the industry to how to succeed as an entrepreneur. Although a few years old now, the entire series is still a must-watch.
Watch here.
Anna Wintour Masterclass
Not strictly a documentary, Anna Wintour’s subscription-based online masterclass still offers unprecedented access to the Vogue Editor-In-Chief. Her advice includes how to evolve a brand, establish good leadership and create confidence in your own vision. A must-see for any aspiring business owners, or those pursuing a career in fashion publishing.
Watch here.
Chiara Ferragni: Unposted
This might not be the insightful peek into what it takes to become one of the world's leading influencers we thought it was. But if you're a fan of OG 'grammer Chiara Ferragni, this Amazon Prime special is crammed with designer looks, dramatic wedding build up and testimonies from some of fashion's biggest names. Side note: if you're looking for facts, figures and solid advice, it’s probably worth looking elsewhere.
Watch here.
Dior & I
This visually stunning documentary follows the then-recently appointed creative director of Dior, Raf Simons, in the lead up to his first couture show. Made all the more poignant by his departure from the fashion house shortly afterwards, expect incredible artistry and unrivalled exposure to those at the top of their game.
Watch here.
Dries
This is your chance to fully appreciate the career and creative mind of Belgian designer Dries van Noten. Having kept his eponymous label fully independent - and largely out of the headlines - for more than 25 years, this documentary finally brings one of fashion's most elusive characters centre stage.
Watch here.
Franca: Chaos & Creation
A documentary focusing on the life of Franca Sozzani, a former Editor-in-Chief of Italian Vogue for nearly thirty years. By exploring her ground-breaking fashion editorials, Sozzani’s son Francesco Carrozzini - also the film's director - offers up a fascinating insight into their mother-son relationship.
Watch here.
In Vogue: The Editor’s Eye
Commissioned by HBO to coincide with Vogue’s 120th anniversary, this one takes an intimate look at some of the magazine’s most influential images through the eyes of the editors who created them. From Anna Wintour to Grace Coddington, and celebrated subjects like Sarah Jessica Parker and Nicole Kidman, there’s access to some of the industry’s most revered characters.
Watch here.
Iris
A very different kind of street style star, 98-year-old Iris Apfel is a New York legend. Renowned for her eccentric wardrobe and pithy sense of humour, this documentary delves deep into Iris's life with her husband - who sadly died in 2015 - as she attempts to break the boundaries of fashion stereotypes.
Watch here.
Mademoiselle C
An intimate look at the elusive former Vogue Paris Editor-in-Chief, Carinne Roitfeld, as she relocates to New York to launch her very own magazine. Full of French flair.
Watch here.
Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards
If you’ve ever lusted after a pair of Manolo Blahniks, this portrayal of the affable, modest designer behind the brand is should be high on your list. One of the last great craftsmen who still carves all his heels by hand, the film captures Blahnik’s exceptional skill and fun sense of humour in equal measure.
Watch here.
McQueen & I
A posthumous tribute to iconic British designer Alexander McQueen, this documentary explores everything from his relationship with fashion icon Isabella Blow, to the circumstances behind his tragic suicide.
Watch here.
The Director
Produced by James Franco, discover exactly what life is like at Gucci before the great Alessandro Michele took the brand in a quirky new direction. Prior to that it was, legendary Frida Giannini who reigned supreme.
Watch here.
The September Issue
Widely regarded to be a classic in the genre, The September Issue was the first film to offer unprecedented access to legendary Vogue Editor In Chief Anna Wintour as she curates the year’s most important magazine.
Watch here.
Valentino – The Last Emperor
A fly-on-the-wall look at one of Italy’s most glamorous designers, expect unfettered access to the master behind some of haute couture’s most iconic moments. The film also explores Valentino's 20-year partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti.
Watch here.
Very Ralph
Very Ralph reveals the story of how Ralph Lauren created one of the most successful fashion brands in history. Featuring exclusive interviews with the man himself, Lauren reveals in fascinating detail his journey from being a young boy from the Bronx who didn’t know what a designer was, all the way up to entering his sixth decade in the fashion business.
Watch here.
The First Monday in May
The hotly anticipated sequel to The September Issue, the film explores the lead up to the launch of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institution exhibition - the illustrious Met Gala. Described as fashion’s ‘super bowl’, discover how the evening (for which guests pay upwards of six figures for a ticket) comes to life.
Watch here.
Yves Saint Laurent
This closely biographical drama about the life of one of fashion’s most iconic designers is a must for those interested in 20th century style. From Saint Laurent’s dismissal from Dior, to the founding of his own brand, it offers the chance to truly discover the man behind the now much-revered label.
Rent here.
INSPIRATION CREDITS: BBC.co.uk/iplayer, Amazon.co.uk, YouTube.com, Netflix.com
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