Looking to up your fashion learnings during this lockdown? We’ve rounded up the top fashion documentaries that we’ll happily trade the Netflix shows we’re binge-watching at the moment for. These films will help you take a deeper delve into the inner workings of the fashion industry – whether it’s from the eyes of successful publications, creative heads or even the small-scale workers that contribute to this world. Scroll down to find out our favourites…
The September Issue
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Anyone who’s anyone in the fashion industry is aware that the September issue of the Vogue (practically the fashion bible) is the most pivotal one of the year. Aptly named, this film documents the making of American Vogue’s 2007 September issue and gives a behind-the-scenes access of the process– one gets to witness everyone from Anna Wintour to Grace Codington hard at work and hustling.
The True Cost
Want to know what is the true cost of fashion? Then tune into this documentary that takes a look at the sweatshops, pollution and exploitation of the workers taking place behind the closed doors. It highlights the unethical side of fashion especially when it comes to mass production. Consider this an answer of sorts to the ‘who made my clothes’ movement – an initiative that seeks to encourage sustainable practices in fashion.
Lagerfeld Confidential
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Take a peek into the day-to-day life of the design powerhouse, Karl Lagerfeld who was known to remain extremely private. In this documentary, Lagerfeld opens his home and his heart out – revealing everything from his upbringing to his lifestyle and his career. You don’t want to miss this if you are a true Lagerfeld fan!
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel
Vreeland needs no introduction – she was the dynamic Vogue editor-in-chief who was responsible for bringing about significant changes across the fashion industry – even before Anna Wintour back in the 60’s. This documentary stories her glamorous lifestyle from being a society girl to being the brain behind the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
McQueen
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This eponymous documentary chronicles the whirlwind journey of the iconic designer, Lee Alexander McQueen from being an East London lad to the talk of the Paris runways. Journaling both his personal and professional struggles and achievements, this film contains everything you need to know about what goes into the making of a legendary fashion designer.