Top 5 Fashion Documentaries Every Fashionista Needs To Watch

Believe it or not, there’s more to the industry than just superficial dress up parties and materialistic people who give you a look if you wear the same jeans three days in a row to work.

Yes, in this very frivolous world there is an abundance of personality, creativity, and economic development. The fashion industry is quickly becoming one of the biggest and fastest changing industries known to society where there’s more than meets the eye.

Over the last few years, fashion documentaries have become the gateway into rare behind-the-scenes footage of lavish industry lifestyles as well as the hardships that many creatives go through before their big breakthrough. The term itself, fashion documentary, was nonchalantly coined back in 2009 after the release of The September Issue – one of the most well-known and well-received documentaries made to give both entertainment and insight into the industry and genre.

From the outrageous fashion nights out to the harrowing realities of the industry, here are some of the best fashion documentaries on offer.

1. Dior and I

Back in 2012, when Raf Simons was just starting out at Dior, this refreshing documentary, directed by Frédéric Tcheng gave fans an insight into the wonderful and stressful world of Simons, his work ethic, and his life. This documentary was filmed during the eight weeks leading up to Simon’s Dior debut with his first collection. Dior and I offers a very realistic and rare look into the roles that Simons had to oversee, which isn’t always a piece of cake.

2. McQueen and I

Released on the one-year anniversary of Alexander McQueen’s death, this documentary, directed by Louise Osmond, gave viewers a look into the creative yet troubled mind of the designer. From his rise in the fashion world following his graduation at CSM to his lows, this documentary lifts up the curtain on the misconception of the industry as being too superficial for a more realistic and even dark look.

3. Vogue: The Editor’s Eye

Directed by Randy Barbato and Fenton Bailey, this documentary goes all out to reveal the magic that happens behind the curtain before the monthly Vogue magazines get printed and appear on shelves. Taking a piece from the lives of some of Vogue’s most respected and beloved editors, this documentary highlights just how important the editing job is and how it has led the publication to success. It also tries to answer the question, “what is an editor, exactly?”

4. The September Issue

Directed by R.J. Cutler, this documentary gives viewers a rare backstage pass following the lives of those who make Vogue come to life every September for the most important issue of the year. Documented leading up to the release of the September Issue and in-between fashion week, viewers can follow Anna Wintour, legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue, and her team around as they travel around the world, argue about which editorials make the cut, and how they’ll work towards a deadline for the magazine. One of the very first fashion documentaries ever to be released on the big screen, this is a must-watch for any budding fashionista.

5. The True Cost

While the fashion industry is known for its lavish and outrageous exterior, fashion also has an extremely dark side that tends to go ignored or unnoticed. With the luxury side of the industry also comes the fast fashion and unjust side of the industry that causes environmental, political, and even moral issues that need to be discussed. Directed by Andrew Morgan, this documentary takes viewers into the world of factory workers and the devastation, exploitation, and unfair trade that they go through for the $5 shirts that are found in racks. A grim watch, but nonetheless very informative for consumers and the industry alike for the better of the future of the industry.