Fashion is, without a doubt, much more than just clothes. Here is a list of some of my favourite fashion documentaries that best illustrate the multiple and beautiful sides of the fashion industry.
In Vogue: The Editor’s Eye
“Fashion is a reflection of our times. Fashion can tell you anything that is going on in the world with a strong fashion image”
This HBO documentary, celebrating Vogue’s 120th anniversary back in 2012, will introduce you to the work of a fashion editor and what it is like to work in fashion showcasing Vogue’s magnificent editors and how they create inspirational stories with the help of a photographer and their vision of life. It shows you the fairy-tale facette of the fashion industry, and will let your imagination fly!
Dior and I
This fashion documentary is somehow different to any other movie of its kind: it starts with Raf Simons being introduced to Dior’s atelier, him being the new designer of the company after John Galliano was dismissed in March 2011. From then on, it follows the journey of the artistic director Raf Simons in the production of his first-ever haute couture collection for the label, for which he only had an intense eight weeks, instead of the usual 5 months to create.
“Dior and I” is mostly a sneak peek into the real fashion industry, with insights into the stunning techniques of the artisans, the creative process for the designs and the final fashion show (all the interior walls of the building covered with fresh cut flowers, beyond beautiful).
The Director: An Evolution in Three Acts
This documentary film presents the life of Gucci’s Creative Director Frida Giannini. Structured in three parts, it illustrates the creative process of such a role; “The Past”, where all the inspiration comes from; “The Future”, featuring the importance of China and the luxury brands’ transformation; and lastly, “The Present”, with an insight into Giannini’s background and life.
If it that did not grab your attention, you should know that James Franco does not only produced the film, but also makes a guest appearance as the face of Gucci cologne…
Coco Before Chanel
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening”.
“Coco Before Chanel” is the story of Gabrielle Coco Chanel who, through an extraordinary journey, became a timeless symbol of style and independence. The movie will captivate you from the very beginning, with Coco defining her future, from working as a singer to discovering her passion for designing hats- which become more and more popular- up until the decisive moment where she falls in love with a business man, and ends up defining the modern woman.
The First Monday in May
“Fashion should be recognised when it touches people and moves people. What more can you ask from art?”
The first Sunday of May is the biggest day of the year for any fashionista– the “Super Bowl Sunday for the fashion world” as quoted by the former American editor for Vogue. This fashion documentary takes you right into the 2015 Met Gala, going behind the scenes to show viewers all the planning and organisation needed before the grand opening of the Costume Institute Spring exhibition, “China: Through The Looking Glass”, which was the most attended fashion display in the history of the institute.
You can get all the info about this documental and watch it at home at http://www.firstmondayinmay.com/