There are thousands of movies to scroll through on Netflix, documentaries, sci-fi, comedies, and dramas. There are movies on just about everything you can think about. Having a strong interest in fashion, I’m always on the lookout for new fashion documentaries. I’ve spent countless hours watching anything and everything related to fashion and the industry. I’ve picked what I believe are five of the best and most interesting movies.
1. The True Cost
If you’re into fashion and sustainability, this is the perfect movie for you. The True Cost is a documentary about the effects of fashion on people and the environment. This film covers every part of the fashion cycle from the fields the cotton is grown in, the places where clothing is dyed, the garment factory employees, the massive companies behind fast fashion, and the consumers. It’s a documentary that will leave a lasting impression on you and your shopping habits.
2. Dior & I
I watched this movie in one of my classes and absolutely fell in love with it. Dior & I follows the story of creative director Raf Simons and his experience creating the first collection with the famous fashion brand. The movie takes you through the creative and design processes. With commentary on Christian Dior’s life throughout the movie, you’re constantly engaged. What I love about this movie is that you’re introduced to all of the people who make the collection happen. By the end of the movie, you have a great sense of how many people it takes to make a collection come together.
3. Bill Cunningham New York
Anyone in the fashion industry knows how big of a deal it is to be photographed by Bill Cunningham. This movie takes a look at the photographer’s daily life shooting street style for the New York Times. Cunningham’s great sense of humor makes this movie extremely entertaining to watch. You see the behind the scenes of big fancy dinners, red carpets, and other miscellaneous events. After watching this film, you’ll see not only how great of a photographer he is, but also the impact Cunningham has on the fashion industry.
4. Iris
Iris is a lighthearted documentary about Iris Apfel’s day to day life. At 94, Apfel is still taking the fashion world by storm. Between shows, interviews, and photo shoots she gives us an inside look at her relationships, homes, and the most exciting, her multiple closets. You’ll be laughing, crying, and left in awe of her personal fashion collection. This is a must watch for fashion lovers.
5. Advanced Style
On a whim one morning, I decided to watch this movie, intrigued by the idea of women over the age of 60 and their fashion style. Advanced Style is a documentary that follows seven New Yorkers with a very of unique sense of style that one could only acquire with years of knowledge and shopping. The movie follows their lives and gives you a look at what they think when they get dressed in the morning. A great watch for anyone who has an appreciation for fashion at all ages.
