Fashion movies are one of my absolute favorite sources of style inspiration, especially when I feel like I’m stuck in a rut and nothing in my closet looks appealing. There are plenty of great films about fashion to check out before you start your internship this summer, whether you’re looking for style inspiration or just some awesome career motivation. Get your style and your work ethic on point before you even walk in the door with these iconic fashion flicks.
Dior & I
This 2014 documentary brings you behind the scenes to take a look at designer Raf Simons’ work for Christian Dior, and revolves around his debut collection at the world-renowned fashion house. With just eight weeks to produce it, the film is somewhat tense at times, but offers compelling transparency when it comes to the world of luxury fashion. Simons enters when the house is both modernizing and working to preserve the legacy of Christian Dior himself.
Bill Cunningham New York
Dive into the life and work of iconic fashion photographer Bill Cunningham through this movie. Anna Wintour once said, “We all get dressed for Bill,” which is a clear a reflection of just how powerful the man’s decade-long career of documenting fashion has been. With interviews of many who know him, and depictions of him both working and in his home life, the film illustrates how photography plays into the fashion world and the importance of documenting this part of our culture.
Notebook on Cities and Clothes
Follow Japanese fashion designer Yohji Yamamoto as he prepares to debut a new collection in Paris. This film revolves around interviews with Yamamoto himself, as well as his atelier and upcoming show. However, it expands its small focus through Yamamoto’s musings and leads to some exploration of the nature of cities and identity. Watch for both the inner workings of a design house and its designer, as well as a surprising philosophy.
Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel
This documentary offers a close look at the life and career of Diana Vreeland, whose legacy includes time at both Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. It includes both audio and film interviews with Vreeland and people who knew her and follows her life from her childhood to her illustrious career. She was largely responsible for turning Vogue into a magazine that is still a beloved artistic publication, and her drive and creativity are nothing if not inspiring.
Dries
Take a look at the life and creativity of Belgian designer Dries Van Noten as he creates four collections over the course of a year. Dries is one of the few designers left who is considered a master craftsman, being the third generation in a family of tailors. Tradition and opulence imbue all of his collections. Since he is known for being very private, the film offers a privileged look into the way in which the designer creates and operates.
Unzipped
Watch this film for an inside look at the development of one of Isaac Mizrahi’s collections. The film was directed by Mizrahi’s boyfriend at the time and the depiction of Mizrahi ended up being rather controversial. Still, it offers an in-depth behind the scenes look at the fashion world of the 1990s and features appearances by supermodels like Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Cindy Crawford. It’s practically a love letter to fashion—perfect to watch before diving into that world yourself!
Valentino: The Last Emperor
This documentary follows designer Valentino Garavani in his last two years as a fashion designer before his retirement. Valentino is one of the most famous fashion designers in the world, and the film really gets to the heart of the big picture in fashion, the dramatic end of his career, and his relationship with his long-time business partner. Watch it to see and understand both Valentino’s creative process and the team and life he had to build around him to continue it for so long.
Opening image by @sarahgargano29.
