Films about fashion delve into the glamorous and sometimes cut-throat world of the fashion industry, often portraying the lives of designers, models, and moguls who shape the trends. These films can range from biographies and dramas to comedies and documentaries, each offering a unique perspective on the aesthetics, creativity, and business of fashion.
“Phantom Thread”, 2017
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson
Set in 1950s London, this drama centers on a renowned dressmaker whose fastidious life is disrupted by love.
Starring: Daniel Day-Lewis, Vicky Krieps, Lesley Manville, Camilla Rutherford, Gina McKee, George Glasgow, Briain Gleeson, Harriet Sansom Harris, Lujza Richter, Julia Davis;
Production year: 2017;
Genre: drama, melodrama;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 130 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,4;
More information about the film “Phantom Thread” on the website imdb.com
“Zoolander”, 2001
Director: Ben Stiller
A comedy featuring a dim-witted male model who becomes unwittingly involved in a plot to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia.
Starring: Ben Stiller, Owen Wilson, Christine Taylor, Will Ferrell, Milla Jovovich, Jerry Stiller, David Duchovny, Jon Voight, Judah Friedlander, Nathan Lee Graham;
Production year: 2001;
Genre: comedy;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,5;
More information about the film “Zoolander” on the website imdb.com
“The September Issue”, 2009
Director: R.J. Cutler
This documentary offers a rare glimpse into the process behind Vogue magazine’s September issue, the largest and most important issue of the year.
Starring: Anna Wintour, Thakoon Panichgul, André Leon Talley, Grace Coddington, Hamish Bowles, Sarah Brown, Charles Churchward, Oscar de la Renta, Patrick DeMarchelier, Jill Demling;
Production year: 2009;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 90 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7;
More information about the film “The September Issue” on the website imdb.com
“Bill Cunningham New York”, 2010
Director: Richard Press
Celebrating the work of New York Times photographer Bill Cunningham, this documentary explores his contribution to fashion through his street style photography.
Starring: Bill Cunningham, Editta Sherman, Patrick MacDonald, Howard Koda, John Kurdewan, Carmen Dell'Orefice, Annette De la Renta, Anna Wintour, Iris Apfel, Shail Upadhya;
Production year: 2010;
Genre: documentary, biography, history;
Duration: 84 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,9;
More information about the film “Bill Cunningham New York” on the website imdb.com
“Yves Saint Laurent”, 2013
Director: Jalil Lespert
A biopic that chronicles the life of legendary designer Yves Saint Laurent from the start of his career in 1958 when he met his lover and business partner, Pierre Bergé.
Starring: Pierre Niney, Guillaume Gallienne, Charlotte Le Bon, Laura Smet, Marie de Villepin, Nikolai Kinski, Ruben Alves, Astrid Whetnall, Marianne Basler, Jean-Édouard Bodziak;
Production year: 2013;
Genre: drama, melodrama, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 105 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 6,2;
More information about the film “Yves Saint Laurent” on the website imdb.com
“McQueen”, 2018
Director: Ian Bonhôte, Peter Ettedgui
This documentary takes an intimate and personal look at the extraordinary life, career, and artistry of avant-garde fashion designer Alexander McQueen.
Starring: Alexander McQueen, Joyce McQueen, John Hitchcock, Danny Hall, Koji Tatsuno, Janet McQueen, John McKitterick, Romeo Gigli, Bobby Hillson, Rebecca Barton;
Production year: 2018;
Genre: documentary, biography;
MPAA rating: r;
Duration: 111 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,7;
“Valentino: The Last Emperor”, 2008
Director: Matt Tyrnauer
This is a documentary film that revolves around the final two years of career of fashion designer Valentino Garavani before his last haute couture show in 2007.
Starring: Valentino, Giancarlo Giammetti, Nati Abascal, Giorgio Armani, Jeannie Becker, Marisa Berenson, Matthew Broderick, Michael Caine, Joan Collins, Jacqueline de Ribes;
Production year: 2008;
Genre: documentary;
MPAA rating: pg13;
Duration: 96 min.;
Rating: IMDB: 7,1;
More information about the film “Valentino: The Last Emperor” on the website imdb.com
These films provide insights not only into the personal lives of fashion icons but also highlight the immense effort and creativity involved in making and sustaining a brand or fashion movement.
In conclusion, films about fashion serve as a dazzling lens through which viewers can explore and appreciate the intricate world of style and design. They not only celebrate the artistry and creativity inherent in fashion but also delve into the industry's influence on culture and personal identity. Whether it's through the sweeping biopics of iconic designers, the behind-the-scenes drama of fashion houses, or the transformative journeys of characters defined by their sartorial choices, these films captivate audiences by weaving compelling narratives with visually stunning aesthetics. As we reflect on these cinematic contributions, it becomes evident that fashion is not just about clothing but is a powerful form of expression and an indelible part of our social fabric.
