16 of the best fashion films and series to watch on Netflix
When you’ve finished binge-watching Love Is Blind, or expressing your shock at the Tiger King, you might be looking for something a little more, well, stylish, to watch on Netflix. From documentaries about some of the fashion industry’s leading figures, to fabulous escapist films set in fantasy worlds, this is our pick of the best fashion films and series to watch now on Netflix.
Designer documentaries
Insightful looks at the life and work of real life fashion personalities...
1. McQueen (2018)
The life and career of the late, great designer Lee Alexander McQueen is explored in this two hour documentary, narrated via exclusive interviews with those who knew him and worked with him. Revisit his stunning catwalk shows and get an insight into his unique creative process.
2. Franca: Chaos and Creation (2016)
Franca Sozzani was the visionary editor of Italian Vogue for almost 30 years before she passed away in December 2016. This film, which highlights her influence on the fashion, media and photography industries, was directed by her son Francesco Carrozzini while she was still alive, which tells you everything you need to know about its accuracy and intimacy.
3. Jeremy Scott: The People’s Designer (2015)
The playful Moschino creative director Jeremy Scott is famed for his quirky designs and pop culture collaborations with artists such as Katy Perry. This biographical film shows how he went from humble beginnings as the son of farmers in Missouri, USA, to become the creative director of one of Italy’s most prominent fashion houses.
Fashion fiction
These hits are all dramas that are based in fictional fashion worlds...
4. The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story (2018)
This is a dramatised version of the events which led to the murder of Italian designer Gianni Versace in front of his lavish Miami home in 1997. The mini-series details the crimes of serial killer Andrew Cunanan, played by Darren Kriss, but also has a focus on the lifestyle and achievements of Versace, played by Édgar Ramírez, as well as his sister Donatella Versace, played by Penelope Cruz.
5. Absolutely Fabulous (1992)
Yes, Ab Fab is on Netflix. If you haven’t seen it before, now is your chance to binge watch five series of fabulous narcissists Edina and Patsy (played by Jennifer Saunders and Joanna Lumley) as they navigate the fashion and PR industries in the early ‘90s.
6. Sex and the City (2008)
The movie spin-off of the hit television series is available to watch on Netflix. Daydream about Carrie Bradshaw’s closet, watch as she plans her ultimate fashion wedding, and sob along as all her plans unravel in a spectacular, yet stylish, disaster. The costuming efforts by Patricia Field throughout are still inspiring Pinterest boards more than a decade after the film’s original release.
7. Clueless (1995)
Revisit the Beverly Hills high school hit and marvel at Cher Horowitz’s retro ‘90s wardrobe. This film tackles many of life’s ‘biggest problems’; boyfriends, fitting in and going shopping. Sounds like an ideal dose of escapism.
8. Phantom Thread (2017)
Set in London’s couture scene in the 1950s, Daniel Day-Lewis plays designer Reynolds Woodcock, creator of high society dresses, who worries that his work will go out-of-date and rival designers will steal his clients. Day-Lewis dutifully took eight-hour dressmaking classes to ensure he could portray this character realistically.
9. GirlBoss (2017)
Based on the autobiography of the Nasty Gal e-commerce founder, Sophia Amoruso, Girlboss tells the story of a fictional entrepreneur Sophia Marlowe, as she launches a shop selling vintage clothes online and turns it into a million dollar business. There are plenty of great LA-based shopping scenes in this comedy.
Costume dramas
From award-winning costume designers, these films and series are as much about the sumptuous outfits as they are the dramatic plot lines.
10. The Crown (2016)
If you haven’t yet seen The Crown, now is your chance to catch up on all three seasons, before the fourth is released later this year. This dramatisation of the life of the British Royal family is punctuated by its splendid costumes; ones to watch include Princess Margaret (played by Vanessa Kirby in series one and two, and Helena Bonham Carter in series three) and the young Princess Anne, played by Erin Doherty in series three.
11. Self Made (2020)
This new series on Netflix is about the life and career of Madam C.J. Walker, who became America’s first female self-made millionaire in 1919 after developing a successful brand of cosmetics and hair care products for women of colour. Octavia Spencer plays Walker in the show, and her wardrobe throughout reflects her rise to become exceptionally wealthy - with the taste to match.
12. Mad Men (2007)
Set in a high-flying New York advertising firm in the '60s, leading man Donald Draper and the (many) women in his life are always kitted out in the latest styles of the day. Costume designer Janie Bryant sourced genuine vintage wherever possible for the characters, to make what you see on screen look as authentic to the era as possible.
13. The Great Gatsby (2013)
The 2013 adaptation of this iconic novel is available to watch on Netflix. From Jay Gatsby’s (Leonardo DiCaprio) suave party suits, to Daisy Buchanan’s (Carey Mulligan) flapper style, the costuming, by Oscar-winner Catherine Martin is decadent, splashy and fun throughout. Look out for 40 dresses designed by Miuccia Prada and a one-of-a-kind diamond headband from Tiffany & Co..
Reality TV
Fashion contests and makeover shows, filled with fabulous drama...
14. Queer Eye (2018)
It’s a feel-good makeover show with a concept that goes deeper; to make recipients feel confident and better about themselves, as well as look better on the outside. Hosted by ‘the fab five’ - Johnathon Van Ness, Bobby Berk, Karamo Brown, Tan France and Antoni Porowski - there are four whole series of this one to be devoured on Netflix.
15. Next In Fashion (2020)
Alexa Chung and Tan France host this new Netflix-produced game show, watching 18 up-and-coming designers compete to win $250,000 and the chance to have their collections stocked on Net-a-Porter.com. Guest judges include Christopher Kane, Eva Chen and Tommy Hilfiger.
16. Ru Paul’s Drag Race
The self-proclaimed ‘mother of all drag queens’ Ru Paul hosts this literally glittering gameshow, which sees drag stars compete for a $100,000 prize. Expect high-octane performances and over-the-top costumes galore.
