These Are the Documentaries You Need To Watch Before Fashion Month Begins
From intimate designer insights to backstage drama, here’s all the tea.
As fashion month nears and your feeds are about to be filled with runway chaos, street style snaps and trend discourse, it’s only right that we do a little homework. Enter: fashion documentaries. From behind-the-scenes drama to intimate portraits of the designers shaping what we wear, these are the perfect shows to stream for anyone who lives and breathes fashion, or perhaps you’re just curious.
Whether you’re brushing up on industry history, craving creative inspo or just want something chic to stream while planning your outfits, these documentaries pull back the curtain on fashion’s most celebrated moments and personalities. We see what it takes to pull off the Met Gala without a hitch, go behind-the-scenes at Chanel‘s SS18 presentation and get a peek into the illustrious careers of players like Dries Van Noten and Martin Margiela. Consider this your fashion month warm-up.
Read on for our list of the binge-worthy movies and series below.
The Supermodels
Getty
The Supermodels is one of the most talked-about fashion documentaries in recent years, with the lead-up to its release garnering huge attention. The four-part series follows the careers of the four “supers”, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington, in the ’80s and ’90s during their meteoric rise. The famous four are seen in exclusive interviews and unseen footage. This is the ultimate view behind the camera into what life was really like off the catwalk for the four most famous models of the time.
Documenting McQueen: Tailoring
McQueen
Documenting McQueen: Tailoring is a three-part series available on the brand’s YouTube channel and website that unearths the origins of the signature house codes and the stories that define it. Brought to life through the McQueen archives, the series is led by fashion historian and Central Saint Martins professor Alistair O’Neill, who shares unseen details and the inspirations behind them. McQueen’s enduring impact has long been explored, but this series gives us a unique insight with fresh eyes.
High and Low John Galliano
Getty
John Galliano is known for his undeniable talent, but his career has not been without criticism. A divisive figure in the industry, High and Low explores the designer and charts the rise and fall of his creative career so far. Directed by Oscar-winner Kevin Macdonald, the film is brutally honest (something we don’t always get in this industry), charting his defining shows in the ’90s, his struggles with addiction and the events that led to his eventual sacking from Christian Dior in 2011. Expect interviews with industry titans and Galliano himself, alongside archival footage revealing glamor laced with toxicity.
In Vogue: The 90s
hulu
Vogue is on our screens again, taking us back to a time that everyone loves to call the golden age of fashion: the ’90s. The six-episode series tells the story of the decade as seen by Vogue editors. Hamish Bowles, Edward Enninful, Tonne Goodman and Anna Wintour (also executive producers) share their insights and knowledge of the era, covering everything from the Met Gala to grunge and hip hop. You can also expect appearances from Kate Moss, Kim Kardashian, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford and many more. This is a captivating look at an era that we still cannot stop reminiscing about.
Diane Von Furstenberg: Woman In Charge
Getty
Diane von Furstenberg: Woman In Charge looks at the designer’s trailblazing career and was initially dropped in line with the 50th anniversary of her signature wrap dress. Charting Furstenberg’s rise in the ’70s and the launch of her own label, we see the designer candidly speak about her humble beginnings and get a taste of the ambition that led to her huge success.
Twiggy
Getty
Directed by Sadie Frost, this documentary chronicles the life of Leslie Hornby, better known as Twiggy, the teen model who became the face of the swinging sixties. With a mix of archival footage and interviews, the film traces her journey from a London schoolgirl to a global celebrity redefining the beauty and fashion of the time.
Helmut Newton: The Bad and The Beautiful
Getty
Helmut Newton: The Bad and The Beautiful examines the famed photographer’s work, putting him in front of the camera for a change. While there are already various documentaries surrounding Newton, this release by director Gero von Boehm is uniquely concerned with the photographer’s muses and subject matter, raising the question of his art being misogynistic. Remaining impartial, the documentary cleverly tells a story of certain photographs without ignoring their controversial nature.
Martin Margiela: In His Own Words
Getty
Reiner Holzemer’s film about the media-shy Belgian designer manages to be uniquely insightful while never revealing his face. Since Martin Margiela first emerged on the scene in 1988, he has never taken a bow at the end of a show, posed for a photograph or conducted a face-to-face interview. Now this documentary sees the enigma share his story. After 20 years in the industry, Margiela recounts his childhood, education and rise to a hugely influential name in the industry through voice-over footage, only revealing his hands at work. Preserving his anonymity, Margiela once again keeps us guessing.
7 Days Out
Netflix
Episode one of Netflix’s 7 Days Out takes us behind the scenes at Chanel‘s Spring/Summer 2018 Haute Couture show. We watch Chanel’s art director Karl Lagerfeld and his team bring the creations to life for a stunning runway show. In true Lagerfeld fashion, expect humor, style and all the theatrics associated with high fashion.
Abstract: The Art of Design
Netflix
The Netflix Originals series Abstract: The Art of Design profiles the most forward-thinking minds in architecture, stage design and illustration. The first season starts out with heavy hitters like Nike legend Tinker Hatfield and graphic designer Paula Scher. Those looking to see what it takes to harness their creative talents should peep the inspiring stories of these mavericks.
Casablancas: The Man Who Loved Women
Marco Glaviano
John Casablancas, founder of Elite Modeling Management, changed the fashion industry forever with his eye for beauty. His ground-breaking company is responsible for ushering in the age of the supermodel with names such as Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Gisele Bündchen. Casablancas: The Man Who Loved Women follows the life of the Casablancas and gives watchers a deeper view into the development of modern modeling.
Dries
Reiner Holzemer
Dries “explores the intense passion and distinctive talent that makes Dries Van Noten one of the most unique fashion designers in the world.” Van Noten’s designs are instantly recognizable and that is by no mistake. The camera picks up all of the raw energy and anxiety that can come with producing internationally-acclaimed clothing.
Franca: Chaos and Creation
Francesco Carrozzini
Franca Sozzani served as Vogue Italia‘s editor-in-chief for thirty years ushering in a new era of fashion journalism. Using photography and high fashion art she was able to create some of the most memorable magazine covers we’ve ever seen. Her son and the documentary director Francesco Carrozzini, captures the pure talent of his mother and highlights their endearing relationship.
Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer
Madman Films
Jeremy Scott has larger-than-life dreams that have come to life through his Moschino label. His fearless and bold designs have become the favorites of celebrities like Katy Perry and CL. Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer follows Scott as he prepares for a runway show that his legacy and reputation depend on.
Kevyn Aucoin: Beauty & the Beast In Me
Ron Galella
Legendary makeup artist Kevyn Aucoin is well known for his contributions in the beauty industry and beyond. He worked with some of the top talent of the ’80s and ’90s establishing himself as a visual innovator. His documentary includes personal footage from his career paired with interviews from celebrities who knew him best. We learn of his personal struggles as well as his triumphs in the touching film.
Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards
Music Box Films
Manolo Blahnik is often referred to as the greatest shoemaker of the 21st century. His love of footwear began as a child and later grew into a full-grown obsession. His style and vision has been immortalized in the women’s shoes he crafted from a vivid imagination. We learn more about the man and the myth in this illuminating documentary.
The First Monday in May
Andrew Rossi
The Met Gala is one of “the fashion world’s most dynamic annual events” where celebrities, models and insiders gather to raise money for the Met Museum’s Costume Institute and new themed exhibit. The First Monday in May follows Anna Wintour and her staff as they overcome obstacles to a produce a flawless night.
The True Cost
Andrew Morgan
Fashion’s role as one of the most polluting industries in the world is no secret. The True Cost connects the dots between sweatshop workers and the clothing that is sold in city malls. The eye-opening documentary displays the effects of rampant consumerism and the endless trend cycle.
