The fashion documentaries you must watch this summer
Observing the artisanal craftsmanship of some of the world’s most distinguished fashion designers is a rare pleasure that anyone can delight in. It’s especially delightful when done from the comfort of your couch with a glass of wine in hand, we say. As the house of Chanel and its otherworldly haute couture shows are about to be immortalised in the new Netflix docuseries, 7 Days Out, we think it’s only fitting to take a look at some of the most glamorous fashion documentaries to have graced our screens in recent years. Remotes at the ready…
7 Days Out (2018)
Capturing the breathtaking moments in the lead up to the fashion house’s spring/summer 2018 show in the series’ premiere episode, famed filmmaker Andrew Rossi takes us behind his lens into creative director Karl Lagerfeld’s ethereal realm of exquisite designs and remarkable craftsmanship.
McQueen (2018)
Chronicling the life and career of the boundary-pushing visionary Alexander McQueen, McQueen offers a rare insight into the man behind the myth. The film by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui features unparalleled footage of the British designer’s highly-theatrical shows the world had come to excitedly anticipate. It also takes viewers through McQueen’s riveting past – from his youth to the creation of his own namesake label after departing Givenchy in 2001.
Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist (2018)
Capturing the remarkable tale of a fashion icon, Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist details the irreverent British designer’s career and, more importantly, her enduring cultural significance. The film features personal interviews from those closest to her as viewers reap an understanding of the woman who brought us menswear-inspired masterpieces, delicate haute couture creations, and all that falls in-between.
Manolo, The Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards (2017)
In the first feature-length documentary to showcase the wonderful creations of Mr Blahnik, Manolo, the Boy Who Made Shoes For Lizards, captivates audiences as it unveils the story behind the man regarded as a legend. Featuring celebrity fans including Rihanna and Karlie Kloss (who need no coaxing to sing his praises) the luxury shoe designer himself discusses his creative process and career highlights throughout the film.
House of Z (2017)
The 2017 documentary on the illustrious career of American couture designer Zac Posen features an elegant mix of archival material and present-day interviews to satisfy your fashion cravings. In her directorial debut, filmmaker Sandy Chronopoulos captures Posen’s highs and lows and his meteoric rise to the fashion hall of fame.
The First Monday in May (2016)
Directed by the acclaimed Andrew Rossi, The First Monday in May offers an exhilarating look into the fashion world’s most celebrated affair, the Met Gala. Detailing the year-long effort behind the 2015 exhibition China: Through the Looking Glass and its celebrity-laden ball at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art, the film follows Vogue US editor Anna Wintour and curator Andrew Bolton as they explore the fusion of art, innovation and fashion.
Dior and I (2014)
A delightfully rich exploration into Christian Dior’s Parisian fashion house, Dior and I expertly details Belgian designer Raf Simons’ preparations as he makes his debut at the label’s 2012 fashion show. Created by French-born filmmaker Frédéric Tcheng - the creative mind behind Valentino: The Last Emperor - the documentary provides raw insight into the manifold hours, masterly hands and, understandably, nerves, behind one of the world’s most hotly-anticipated catwalk shows.
This article originally appeared on InStyle.
