Fashion documentaries are a great way to learn about the history, culture, and business of the fashion industry. They can be entertaining, informative, and inspiring for anyone interested in fashion. In this article, we will go over the best fashion documentaries to watch right now in 2023.
Who Should Watch Fashion Documentaries?
Fashion documentaries are suitable for anyone who is interested in fashion. They can be particularly helpful for those who work or aspire to work in the fashion industry, such as designers, stylists, journalists, photographers, or models. However, even if you are not planning to pursue a career in fashion, watching these documentaries can help you appreciate the artistic and social significance of clothing and accessories.
Why Should You Watch Fashion Documentaries?
- To gain knowledge of fashion history and trends
- To understand the creative process behind fashion design
- To learn about the cultural and social impact of fashion
- To get inspired by fashion icons and innovators
- To discover new perspectives on fashion sustainability and ethics
What Are Fashion Documentaries?
Fashion documentaries are non-fiction films that explore various aspects of fashion, from the perspectives of designers, models, journalists, historians, activists, and consumers. They can cover different themes, styles, eras, and geographies of fashion, depending on the director's vision and purpose. Some fashion documentaries focus on the personal lives of fashion figures, while others analyze the production, marketing, or consumption of fashion products.
Types of Fashion Documentaries
- Biographical: telling the life story of a fashion designer or icon, such as "McQueen" (2018) about Alexander McQueen, or "Lagerfeld Confidential" (2007) about Karl Lagerfeld.
- Historical: exploring the evolution of fashion in a specific period or place, such as "The First Monday in May" (2016) about the Met Gala, or "Dior and I" (2014) about the making of Raf Simons' first collection for Dior.
- Investigative: uncovering the controversies or challenges in the fashion industry, such as "The True Cost" (2015) about fast fashion's environmental and social impact, or "Fashion Victims" (2007) about sweatshops in the garment industry.
- Inspirational: showcasing the creativity and innovation in fashion design, such as "The September Issue" (2009) about Vogue's editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, or "Bill Cunningham New York" (2010) about the street style photographer Bill Cunningham.
When Was the First Fashion Documentary Made?
The history of fashion documentaries dates back to the early days of cinema. In 1896, the Lumière brothers produced a short film called "Le Défilé des Ouvrières," which featured workers leaving a Parisian factory wearing different outfits. Although this film was not intended as a fashion documentary per se, it marked one of the first times that clothing was captured on camera and portrayed as a visual spectacle. Since then, many filmmakers have explored the potential of fashion as a subject for film.
Milestones of Fashion Documentaries
- "Paris Couture" (1966): a five-part documentary series by David Wolper that showcases the haute couture collections of French designers like Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, and Pierre Cardin.
- "Halston" (1979): a TV documentary by Frédéric Tcheng that profiles the American fashion designer Halston and his glamorous lifestyle in the 1970s.
- "Unzipped" (1995): a feature-length documentary by Douglas Keeve that follows the making of Isaac Mizrahi's fall 1994 collection and its presentation at New York Fashion Week.
- "The Gospel According to André" (2017): a portrait of André Leon Talley, the former editor-at-large for Vogue, and his journey from the segregated South to becoming a fashion icon and mentor.
How to Watch Fashion Documentaries?
Fashion documentaries are widely available on various platforms, such as streaming services, DVD rentals, or online purchases. Here are some tips for watching fashion documentaries:
- Research before you watch: read reviews, synopses, or interviews about the documentary to get an idea of its content and style.
- Take notes while you watch: jot down important quotes, scenes, or images that resonate with you and that you want to remember or discuss later.
- Engage in critical thinking: question the assumptions, biases, or values presented in the documentary, and compare them to your own experiences or beliefs.
- Share your thoughts with others: talk to friends, colleagues, or fellow fashion enthusiasts about the documentary, and exchange opinions or insights.
Pros and Cons of Watching Fashion Documentaries
Like any form of media, fashion documentaries have their advantages and disadvantages. Here are some pros and cons toconsider when deciding whether to watch fashion documentaries:
Pros
- Education: fashion documentaries can provide valuable information about fashion history, design, and culture that you may not have learned elsewhere.
- Inspiration: seeing the creativity and innovation of fashion icons can inspire your own fashion choices or career aspirations.
- Entertainment: fashion documentaries can be engaging and enjoyable to watch, especially if you are interested in fashion.
- Awareness: some fashion documentaries shed light on important social or environmental issues related to the fashion industry that you may not have been aware of before.
Cons
- Bias: like any form of media, fashion documentaries can have a particular point of view or agenda that may not reflect the entire picture.
- Stereotyping: some fashion documentaries may perpetuate stereotypes about the fashion industry, such as the notion that all models are shallow or all designers are eccentric.
- Overgeneralization: some fashion documentaries may make sweeping claims about the fashion industry that do not apply to every designer, model, or consumer.
- Lack of objectivity: some fashion documentaries may prioritize entertainment over accuracy, by using dramatization or sensationalism to capture the audience's attention.
Alternatives to Fashion Documentaries
If you are looking for other ways to learn about fashion besides watching documentaries, here are some alternatives to consider:
- Books: there are many books about fashion history, theory, and criticism that offer in-depth analysis and insights. Some recommendations include "Fashion Theory: A Reader" edited by Malcolm Barnard, "The End of Fashion" by Teri Agins, and "Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim" by David Sedaris.
- Magazines: fashion magazines such as Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, or Elle feature articles, interviews, and editorials about fashion trends, events, and personalities.
- Exhibitions: museums and galleries often host fashion exhibitions that showcase the work of designers or explore fashion themes. Some notable fashion exhibitions include "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, "Christian Dior: Designer of Dreams" at the Victoria and Albert Museum, and "Fashioning a Reign: 90 Years of Style from The Queen's Wardrobe" at Buckingham Palace.
- Online resources: there are many online resources that offer fashion-related content, such as blogs, podcasts, or social media accounts. Some examples include The Business of Fashion, Man Repeller, or The Cut.
Step-by-Step Guide to Watching Fashion Documentaries
If you want to make the most out of watching fashion documentaries, here is a step-by-step guide to follow:
- Choose a documentary that interests you based on its topic, director, or cast.
- Research the documentary by reading reviews, synopses, or interviews.
- Prepare your viewing environment by finding a comfortable seat, adjusting the sound and lighting, and minimizing distractions.
- Watch the documentary attentively, taking notes if necessary, and engaging in critical thinking.
- Reflect on what you learned, what surprised you, and what questions you still have.
- Share your thoughts with others, either by discussing with friends, posting on social media, or writing a review.
Comparing Fashion Documentaries
Here is a comparison of some of the best fashion documentaries to watch right now in 2023, based on their genre, release year, and critical reception:
| Documentary Title | Genre | Release Year | Critical Reception |
|---|---|---|---|
| McQueen | Biographical | 2018 | 91% Rotten Tomatoes, 7.5/10 IMDb |
| The September Issue | Inspirational | 2009 | 83% Rotten Tomatoes, 7/10 IMDb |
| The True Cost | Investigative | 2015 | 86% Rotten Tomatoes, 7.7/10 IMDb |
| Dior and I | Historical | 2014 | 90% Rotten Tomatoes, 7.2/10 IMDb |
| Bill Cunningham New York | Inspirational | 2010 | 98% Rotten Tomatoes, 7.9/10 IMDb |
Tips for Watching Fashion Documentaries
Here are some tips to keep in mind when watching fashion documentaries:
- Be open-minded: fashion is a diverse and complex field, and you may encounter perspectives or styles that you are not familiar with or that challenge your assumptions.
- Pay attention to details: fashion documentaries often feature beautiful visuals, intricate designs, and insightful interviews that can enrich your viewing experience.
- Make connections: try to relate what you learn from the documentary to your own experiences, interests, or values, and see how they intersect or differ.
- Watch with others: watching fashion documentaries with friends, colleagues, or family members can provide new insights and perspectives, as well as stimulate discussion and debate.
FAQs about Fashion Documentaries
- What are some of the best fashion documentaries to watch
