Just because we’re all stuck in the house, doesn’t mean we can’t still partake in some fashion content. After all, what else are we going to do but stare incessantly at the news? And frankly in this climate, that’s not a very healthy thing to do. So, let’s revel in the finer, less-serious and more upbeat loves in our lives; fashion.
We might all be stuck in the house now, so now seems as great a time as any to rewatch and get around to watching all those films you’ve been meaning to see.
I’ve compiled a list of the top 10 fashion films, which (in my opinion) are a must-see. They will either have illuminating content, great style, or just shine a new light on some parts of the industry we didn’t know much about. This list is made up of ficitonal movies and real-life documentaries, so read on for the list and why you should watch it.
This classic teen movie is the epitome of nineties style, and by God has it aged well over the years. Considering nineties fashion is back in style, this movie will not only make you feel good, but give you great style inspiration.
Take a look at the moment that Raf Simmons took over the helm at Dior and created his very first collection with the storied fashion house. This is a beautiful insider’s look of a fashion house, and what it takes to create the collections we see and fall in love with.
The first of the Sex and the City movies, and arguable the best one. Though it might not hold as high a position in the hearts of its fans, the fashion is beautiful and it was lovely to see our four favourite New Yorkers reunite for it.Â
The First Monday in May is a documentary into what it takes to put on the Met Gala and the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition. If you loved watching the fashion as it walked up those steps, then you’ll love this documentary too.Â
Baz Luhrmann’s classic reimagining of a great American novel revels in the fashion of the era. While the fashion is quite true to the era, if not a little too opulent, it is remixed with modern-era music and a wealth of ccolour, sounds and brilliant actors. Watch this movie to get really inspired for your next fancy-dress party.
The September Issue, in many ways is the original Anna Wintour starring documentary. It follows the editors and Ms Wintour as they prepare for American Vogue’s biggest issue at the time, the 2008 September Issue. This documentary showed Anna in a much more human light than ever befvore and made a star of her right-hand woman, Grace Coddington.
Zoolander is about as close to the real-life experience of the fashion industry, as a nature documentary would be. But that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be on this list. It’s a silly, campy and absolutely fun imaginative take on the fashion industry, sprinkled with fashion insiders before it was cool for them to appear on screen. Plus, who of us hasn’t tried to perfect the Blue Steel?
This documentary shone a very true light on the life and experience of Lee Alexander McQueen. Using a surprisingly large amount of archival footage of the designer from his early years, this film captured both the highs and lows of Lee’s personal life and his success in the industry. Those that were interviewed included his own family, a rarity with these fashion documentaries. This is a warts-and-all look at his life and genius, and makes his death that much more tragic to bear.
The Devil Wears Prada in many ways is the ultimate fashion film. It tells the story of a young woman who becomes an assistant to Miranda Priestly, the Holywood-version of Anna Wintour, and details her travails in the fashion industry with humour, sartorial looks and a surprising amount of humanity. Watch this for the style advice, and for Miranda’s cutting one-liners that are still used today. “Florals for spring? Groundbreaking!”
The final movie on our list is another Baz Luhrmann creation; his take on the Parisian haunt of the Moulin Rouge. This bright and colourful musical, not only has a stellar cast and brilliant songs, but it so visually breathtaking with its costumes. Though the outfits may not be historically accurate, they are beautiful, and all add up to a tragic, beautiful movie that has become timeless.
