The world of haute couture is a stunningly beautiful but complicated one. There’s a lot of ego and a lot of hard work. There are fashion shows that look effortless and gorgeous and then there’s behind the scenes of that which include months of preparation and a team of people who spent hours working tirelessly every day for that effortless result we see for a couple of minutes on the runway. It’s actually fascinating but few people outside of the industry know anything about it. So here are 10 movies about the world of fashion that will give you a glimpse behind the curtain of the world of fashion.
1. Dior and I (2014)
A story of the newly appointed creative director of Dior, Raf Simmons, and his process of creating a new collection for Dior in only 8 weeks. He wasn’t the obvious choice for Dior, many people said he’s not really Dior Material because he’s more of a minimalist, but once you see this movie you’ll understand how sometimes going with your gut and not giving in to pressure is the best thing Raf Simmons did.
2. McQueen (2018)
This is the most comprehensive film about the life and career of British designer Lee Alexander McQueen. It tells his story from his time working as a tailor to launching his name brand, to his success in the world of fashion and his tragic death. You will find out about his darkest thoughts and feelings that both inspired his collections and haunted him.
3. Crazy About Tiffany’s (2016)
The story of Tiffany’s New York jewelry store. It started as a tiny boutique opened by Charles Lewis Tiffany in 1837 and grew to become a unique global phenomenon. Everyone recognizes that blue box with a white ribbon. It’s the gift equivalent of a little black dress. It goes with everything and is perfect for any occasion.
4. 7 Days Out: Chanel Haute Couture Fashion Show (2018)
A Netflix original documentary series about creating the Chanel spring/summer 2018 couture collection and all the preparation for this show that was inspired by Versailles Gardens. And just to tease you with the scale of it – they recreated the Versailles Gardens at the location that has housed this show since 2005 – at The Grand Palais des Champs-Élysées.
5. Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist (2018)
An insight into the life and work of a unique British designer Vivienne Westwood. She was once an outsider of fashion but still managed to succeed. She’s also a true punk when it comes to her attitude, and a dame by title. She cares deeply about changing the world so on top of being a famous designer she’s also become a social and environmental activist.
6. L’Amour Fou (2010)
A film about the work and personal life of Yves Saint Laurent told by his companion and partner Pierre Bergé. It’s a unique look into his life through the eyes of someone who’s been at his side for 50 years and knew him better than anyone else on this planet.
7. The Director: An Evolution in Three Acts (2013)
A great movie about Gucci’s former creative director, Frida Giannini. The film covers a period of 18 months and shows all the subtleties of what it’s like to work as a designer in the Italian Fashion House. As a kid Frida just dreamt of a nice family in a nice house with a pretty garden full of flowers, she never expected her life would turn out like this.