5 Must See Fashion Documentaries
A well-produced fashion documentary not only has the potential to entertain, but also to inspire a whole new generation of creative souls wishing to pursue a career in the industry.
Over the past decade, camera crews have been granted access inside some of the world’s most respected and established fashion houses, and the results have been nothing short of fabulous.
So, as you continue to look for ways to occupy your days and nights whilst on lockdown, why not check out our pick of the best fashion documentaries all available to stream online now.
The First Monday in May
Directed by Andrew Rossi, The First Monday in May follows the creation of ‘China: Through the Looking Glass’ in 2015, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most attended fashion exhibit before it was overtaken by ‘Heavenly Bodies’ in 2018, and the Met Gala of the same year, the star-studded fundraising event that celebrates the exhibition opening.
Chronicling a year’s worth of preparations leading up to the launch of this groundbreaking show, as well as documenting moments from inside one of the world’s most stylish parties, take a look behind the scenes at two of New York City’s most prestigious and exclusive cultural events in this truly enthralling documentary.
Watch on Prime Video
Dior and I
Released in 2014, and directed by Frédéric Tcheng, Dior and I gives viewers unparalleled insight into the storied world of the Christian Dior fashion house, with a rich and unique behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as Dior’s new Artistic Director.
Offering detailed insight into the everyday realities of working in fashion, whilst also exploring the iconic brand’s deep and affluent history, Dior and I is a thoughtful and observant film that beautifully honours both the challenges and triumphs of one of the world’s most iconic fashion brands.
Buy on Amazon
Mademoiselle C
A lively and highly stylised look at the super chic life of former VOGUE Paris Editor-in-chief Carine Roitfeld, as she transitions into an exciting and thrilling new chapter of her life, moving from Europe to New York in a bid to launch her own magazine, CR Fashion Book.
Filled with celebrity cameos, models and some of fashion’s most eccentric characters, the documentary film tells the story of a woman very much in control of her own destiny, who, after realising a lifetime’s worth of dreams is still hungry and ambitious to achieve and dream some more.
Rent or Buy from Amazon
The September Issue
Take a behind the scenes look at the life of Anna Wintour and the editorial team at American VOGUE during the production of the legendary magazine’s 2007 September issue.
This intimate, funny and surprisingly insightful documentary sees filmmaker R.J. Cutler cut through the fashion bible’s powerful mystique, to reveal at its heart, an extraordinary group of people, all dedicated and passionate about the work that they do.
Rent or Buy from Amazon
McQueen
This is a compelling and truly moving tribute to the life and career of one of fashion’s most innovative talents, the late great Lee Alexander McQueen.
Directed by Ian Bonhôte and co-directed/written by Peter Ettedgui, McQueen focuses solely on telling Lee’s unique and inspiring story, from his beginnings as a tailor on Saville Row, to the launch of his eponymous line all the way up to his untimely death in 2010. Interspersed with anecdotes and tales told by some of McQueen’s closet family and friends, this stunning documentary provides viewers with a great insight into the mind and musings of this inspired yet tortured artist.