10 Of The Best Fashion Documentaries

Charting the best films about the industry

Documentary

Charting the best films about the industry.

From: Harper's BAZAAR US

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A Cara Delevingne Documentary Is In The Works

A round-up of the best fashion films wouldn't be complete without their exposé of life at American Vogue. What sets out to disclose the ins-and-outs of the biggest issue of the year turns into a surprisingly human story about the relationship between editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington.
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The September Issue

Some fashion documentaries don't go enough length to explore the humanity behind the designers or models that they are focused on, resulting in a portrayal that feels somewhat sterile. The opposite is the case of 'L'Amour Fou', as Pierre Berge, Yves Saint Laurent's long-term partner (both in love and business), candidly opens up about their relationship. He discusses Laurent's battle with depression and alcoholism, as well as his creative genius.
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L'Amour Fou

To anyone who works in fashion, the first Monday in May is a big deal - it's the date of the biggest fashion party of the year: The Met Ball. The soirée is attended by the world's most beautiful men and women, who dress according to the ball's theme, which is always based around the Met's current major fashion exhibition. The documentary is a chronological look at the gala's history and an exploration of the glamour and allure of what André Leon Talley describes as "fashion's version of Super Bowl Sunday."
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The First Monday In May

The most recent Dior documentary charters at the evolution of the house of Dior, from inception to current day. Viewers find out what Christian Dior was like as a man and how he was to work with, before the film tracks the timeline of the brand and its many illustrious creative directors - Yves Saint Laurent, John Galliano and Raf Simons included. The two-part program also gives an insight into Dior's recent catwalk show held at Blenheim Palace, what goes into creating a collection and the difficulties of finding a designer to helm such an important ship.
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Inside Dior

If anything will shake you out of any sartorial rut, it's Iris Apfel: the 94-year-old New York style icon, who is known for her bold, eclectic look completed by her signature glasses. 'Iris' goes into her home and her Aladdin's cave wardrobe, and follows heron shopping expeditions. It's an inspiring look at the world of a true original and uncompromising wit.
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Iris

A labour of love, this documentary about the legendary fashion editor was the brainchild of Lisa Immordino Vreeland, the wife of Diana's grandson Alexander. Using the tapes Diana made to write her biography 'D.V.' and speaking to those who knew her, (such as David Bailey and Penelope Tree) Lisa discovered not only Diana's well-documented influence on the fashion world, but also her private vulnerabilities and insecurities.
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Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has To Travel

'Dior and I' is a moving portrait of the Belgian designer Raf Simons as he takes on the most coveted role in fashion: creative director of Dior. The film charts his first eight weeks in the role as he pulls together his debut couture collection for the storied fashion house against incredible odds.
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Dior And I

This intimate documentary about one of the fashion world's most influential and recognizable figures, Karl Lagerfeld, is a must-see. It shadows him as he juggles his various work commitments for Chanel, Fendi and his eponymous line, and more.
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Lagerfeld Confidential

Prepareto enter Valentino's fabulous world of excessive wealth in this heart-warming film about the Italian couturier. Focusing on his relationship with his companion and business partner Giancarlo Giammetti, it takes the viewer on a journey into the heart of his design house as he prepares to say farewell after four decades.
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Valentino: The Last Emperor

Fabien Constant's depiction of Carine Roitfeld is, in many ways, about rebirth. Following the fashion legend after her split from Paris 'Vogue', it sees her setting up a new magazine, 'CR Fashion Book', as she becomes a grandmother for the first time to Romy Nicole.
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Mademoiselle C

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