20 Fashion Movies That’ll Make You Want to Upgrade Your Wardrobe
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Do your eyes light up when you see a designer outfit on sale? Are you the go-to person in your friend group for style tips? Do you get more excited for Fashion Week thank you do for the holidays? If you answered “yes” to any of these, then this roundup of epic fashion movies is for you. Whether it's a sweet rom-com or an eye-opening documentary, these films will give you a deeper appreciation for the industry and those who work so hard thrive in it. Plus, they just might inspire you to upgrade your own closet. From The Devil Wears Prada to Coco before Chanel, here are 20 fashion movies you’ll want to check out.
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1. ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ (2006)
Um, two words: Meryl Streep. The actress delivered such a powerful performance as the great Miranda Priestly (apparently a fictionalized version of Vogue editor, Anna Wintour). On top of that, the outfits are totally stunning. For those who’ve yet to see it, the comedy follows college grad Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who lands a job as Miranda's personal assistant at Runway magazine. But will she survive her boss's humiliating treatment?
2. ‘Funny Face’ (1957)
As far as swoon worthy musical romances go, this movie definitely tops our list. It follows Dick Avery (Fred Astaire), a photographer at a fashion magazine who comes across an attractive bookstore employee named Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn). Convinced that Jo is destined to become a famous model, he whisks her off to France, falling for her in the process.
3. ‘Phantom Thread’ (2017)
Just to give you an idea of how gorgeous the clothing is in this historical drama, it won an Academy Award and British Academy Film Award for Best Costume Design. Set in 1950s London, the film centers on Reynolds Woodcock, a skilled dressmaker who works for members of high society. But when he meets and falls for a young waitress, some begin to question their relationship.
4. ‘Saint Laurent’ (2014)
If you’re curious to know more about the famous brand, then you need to watch Saint Laurent, which details the career of founder and fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, during the late '60s and '70s.
5. ‘Who Are You Polly Maggoo?’ (1966)
It might seem like a questionable choice, since the film is actually poking fun at the fashion industry, but hey, we can appreciate a thought-provoking satire. The movie follows Polly (Dorothy McGowan), a supermodel who dreams of meeting her prince charming while countless desperate men try to pursue her.
6. ‘Valentino: The Last Emperor’ (2008)
Learn more about the face behind the brand, Italian fashion designer Valentino Garavani. In this film, we follow Garavani’s final two years as a designer before his retirement. As he prepares to step down, however, he suspects that the corporation buying his clothing line may not have the right intentions. (In case you’re wondering, yes, you will definitely spot his famous red dresses).
7. ‘The Dressmaker’ (2015)
Who can pass up an opportunity to see Kate Winslet as a fabulous dress maker? The actress stars as a famed dressmaker named Myrtle Dunnage, who returns to her hometown in Australia and exacts her revenge after being exiled from the town and framed for murder several years ago. Those dresses, though.
8. ‘The September Issue’
Ever wished you were behind the scenes at Vogue? Well, now's your chance. This riveting documentary follows Anna Wintour and her staff as they all prepare to publish the highly-anticipated September 2007 issue of Vogue. BTW, Wintour's signature bob is everything.
9. ‘Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel’ (2011)
The 86-minute feature highlights the life and career of legendary fashion editor Diana Vreeland, best known for her work in Harper’s Bazaar and Vogue. It includes interviews with Vreeland, as well as her family and friends.
10. ‘Bill Cunningham New York’ (2010)
Nearly everyone in the fashion world knows about Bill Cunningham, The New York Times fashion photographer who obsessively followed the best fashion trends for his columns. Anna Wintour, Michael Kors and Iris Apfel are just a few famous faces you'll see in this film.
11. ‘Greed’ (2019)
Loosely based on the life of Philip Green, former owner of Topshop, the satirical film follows billionaire fashion mogul Richard McCreadie, whose reputation is damaged due to a government inquiry. Desperate to bounce back, he decides to throw a luxurious party to celebrate his 60th birthday.
12. ‘Confessions of a Shopaholic’ (2009)
In this feel-good rom-com, Isla Fisher stars as a charming shopaholic who becomes a successful advice columnist at a financial publication—even though she herself is knee-deep in debt.
13. ‘Fresh Dressed’ (2015)
Ready for a crash course on the history of hip-hop fashion? Allow us to present Fresh Dressed, a documentary featuring Kanye West, Pharrell Williams and Swizz Beats that discusses the rise of urban fashion from its beginnings on cotton plantations.
14. ‘Iris’ (2014)
From the Maysles brothers (known for Grey Gardens and Gimme Shelter) comes an intimate portrait of fashion icon and interior designer, Iris Apfel. With her bold and unique looks, we can only hope to look half as fabulous as Apfel when we’re 95.
15. ‘Advanced Style’ (2014)
Since we live in an age where so many in the beauty industry are obsessed with youth, it's quite refreshing to see a doc that highlights seven older women who, quite frankly, are fashion queens.
16. ‘Dior and I’ (2015)
Join Raf Simons as he works on his first haute couture collection for Christian Dior in the span of just eight weeks. You’ll spot a few familiar faces, including Jennifer Lawrence and Sharon Stone.
17. ‘The Gospel According to André’ (2018)
Kate Novack pays tribute to the iconic fashion journalist André Leon Talley, closely following his inspiring journey as a Black man in the world of fashion. It's incredibly insightful and it’s got quite a few poignant moments.
18. ‘The Neon Demon’ (2016)
Explore the darker side of the fashion industry in this twisty psychological thriller, where Elle Fanning plays an aspiring model who has to deal with the jealous women who’d do anything to take her place.
19. ‘Unzipped’ (1995)
Director Douglass Keeve gave viewers a rare peek into the world of fashion designer (and his former boyfriend) Isaac Mizrahi. You'll fall in love with his witty humor and fascinating creative process.
20. ‘Fashion’ (2008)
Priyanka Chopra Jonas is aspiring model Meghna Mathur. Despite her father's disapproval, Meghna leaves home and heads to Mumbai to become a successful supermodel in Mumbai. Fortunately, things go in her favor, but one mistake threatens to destroy her newfound success.
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