Happy Monday! Fashion Month – the marathon of New York, London, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks, one right after the other – begins on Thursday. So what better to get in the mood – and get educated – for all the mayhem than pulling on your super stylish footie pajamas and watching a fashion documentary?
If you know me, you know that I’m that annoying person who weaves into every conversation, “so, there’s this great podcast,” or “so, I watched this great documentary about …” (case in point here). So it’s probably no surprise that I’ve picked 4 fashion documentaries and given my perspective on why they’re worth seeing , as well as where on the Internet you can access them. Click on the titles to access links to the films. I hope you enjoy!
Dior and I
Watch it on: Amazon Prime
What it is: A documentary following then-creative director Raf Simons as he prepares to show his first haute couture collection out of the Dior Paris atelier.
Why it’s Great: This is the documentary that made me see couture in a completely different light. It strips away that inhuman varnish that is often slapped onto fashion and gets down to the nitty-gritty: the humanity and the craftsmanship behind creating designs that tell a story. It’s slow, but intimate, and for me, completely captivating.
House of Z
Where to watch: Netflix
What it is: A biographical documentary about the rise, fall, and rebirth of Zac Posen
Why it’s Great: It explores the genius of Posen without flinching at his many flaws as it charts his early rise to fame, the cost of an ego, the importance of grit, and boundaries between business and family.
American Crime Story: the Assassination of Gianni Versace
Where to watch: Netflix
What it is: Miniseries reconstructing the assassination of Gianni Versace
Why it’s great: OK, so technically this isn’t a documentary, it’s a well-researched historical drama. And technically it’s not about fashion, it’s a true crime piece. But if you like riveting, lush, and cerebral crime stories AND fashion, you will love this series. The fashion is incredible. It is dark, though, so don’t watch this if you want a lighthearted pick-me-up. Although the casting may make you happy – Ricky Martin and Penelope Cruz are both in it and my TV almost imploded with joy.
McQueen
Where to watch: Amazon prime
What it is: A beautiful, albeit dark, documentary about the rise Lee Alexander McQueen and his untimely death.
Why it’s great: This films takes a deep dive into the macabre inner world of British genius McQueen. Using home video, interviews with friends, family, and coworkers, and of course, his fantastic sartorial creations, this doc challenges the viewer to expand their perception of what fashion should be. It’s dark, but extraordinarily touching – difficult to watch in parts, but it sure is worth it.
Do you have any favorite fashion documentaries? I’m always on the hunt! ESPECIALLY for films about female designers or designers of color – there is a serious lack of representation there. Let me know!
love
Stig
