15 Fashion Documentaries To Watch In 2023.
By Rebeca Rodriguez
03.21.2023
Documentaries are a great way to learn more about the world of fashion. Topics range from sustainability, to pop culture, art and even behind the scenes views of some of the most iconic designers and labels we know. With so many insightful fashion docs out there it can be tricky to pick which ones to watch, but rest assured you won’t have to sit there scrolling for hours as we’ve done the hard work for you!
So grab a drink, make some popcorn and get cozy with our list of 15 must watch fashion documentaries.
The True Cost (2015)
Why we recommend: This documentary offers a glimpse behind the scenes of the fast fashion industry and forces us to consider who truly pays the price for our obsession with trends and cheaply available clothing. It is an important view, and one that we need to remember more often..
Where you can watch it: YouTube
2. The First Monday In May (2016)
Why we recommend: We are all familiar with the Met Gala. Those of us who love couture eagerly wait to see the looks and how different designers approached the theme. The 2015 theme China: Through the Looking Glass was one of the most attended Met Gala events. This documentary takes you behind the scenes and covers that year’s most iconic looks.
Where you can watch it: Rent on Amazon Prime
3.Wonder Boy (2019)
Why we recommend: Olivier Rousteing, Creative Director of Balmain, has a huge presence on social media. We get a unique view into his world through his content, making it feel like we know him without actually really knowing him. This documentary takes it a step further. Never knowing his birth parents, this revealing show follows Rousteing as he goes in search of his origins. His designs and work at Balmain are influenced by his desire to connect to his origin story, and it is a beautiful story to follow.
Where you can watch it: Netflix
4. Larger Than Life: The Kevyn Aucoin Story
Why we recommend: Kevyn Aucoin was an iconic and highly sought after makeup artist in the fashion world in the 80’s and 90’s. The legacy he left behind after his mysterious death is recounted by some of his most famous clients including Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss.
Where you can watch it: Rent on Amazon Prime
5. Yves Saint Laurent: The Last Collections, Celebration (2018)
Why we recommend: This one is unique! Not only did we wait a LONG (18 years!) time for this documentary (it was banned from release by Yves Saint Laurent's partner until 2018) but the approach Olivier Meyrou takes is striking. He truly captures the hustle and bustle environment of a couture house, even the bits that aren’t so pretty.
Where you can watch it: Rent on Apple TV
6. Jeremy Scott: The Peoples Designer (2015)
Why we recommend: Few people have the reputation that Jeremy Scott carries. Known for his love of camp and over the top cartoonish designs, this Missourian has made it far- to the creative director of Moschino far. This documentary covers his rise from humble beginnings, find out for yourself why he is known as the people’s designer.
Where you can watch it: Amazon Prime
7. Dries (2017)
Why we recommend: Dries Van Noten is known for being private, independent and a bit of a recluse. Which is why this documentary is such a gem- filmmaker Reiner Holzemer was able to capture an intimate and personal view of the famous Dries Van Noten and his unique philosophy on the timelessness of fashion.
Where you can watch it: Rent on Amazon Prime
8. Iris (2014)
Why we recommend: Most of us know who Iris Apfel is, with her iconic, perfectly rounded glasses and colorful attire, she is hard to miss. What is less obvious though is the influence she has had. Besides her exhibition at the MET back in 2005-2006, Did you know she has advised 9 US presidents on Interior Design? We loved learning more about Iris’ colorful life while watching this documentary and hope you do too!
Where you can watch it: Rent on Amazon Prime
9. Bill Cunningham New York (2010)
Why we recommend: If you have never heard the name Bill Cunningham before, don’t fret, you’re probably familiar with some of his work. This iconic New York Times street-fashion photographer had an uncanny knack for predicting fashion trends and this documentary invites you to view the world through his eyes.
Where you can watch it: HBO MAX
10. Dior and I (2014)
Why we recommend: When Raf Simmons took over Dior in 2012 many people held their breaths in anticipation for his debut show. Simmons, known for his modern, minimalist designs was to take over a couture house- how would this work? This documentary follows the lead up to his debut and his struggle filling the shoes of a legendary designer.
Where you can watch it: YouTube
11. The September issue (2009)
Why we recommend: The September issue of Vogue is famously known for being the most important issue that Vogue publishes each year. If you’ve seen The Devil Wears Prada-you’ll know about the scene around a big table, with everyone discussing what is next in fashion. “Florals? For Spring? Groundbreaking…”
This actually happens in real life, and this documentary follows the intense hours long discussions that bring together the September issue of Vogue.
Where you can watch it: YouTube
12. The Gospel According To Andre (2018)
Why we recommend: As a queer black man born in the south, becoming the editor-at-large for American Vogue was arduous. Follow the inspiring journey of Andre Leon Talley and get an inside view of his approach to fashion which aided him in taking American Vogue to the next level.
Where you can watch it: YouTube
13. Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)
Why we recommend: We all recognize the name Valentino, and for good reason- Valentino Garavani dominated Haute Couture for nearly 50 years. Matt Tyrnauer of Vanity Fair takes us through the glamorous life and partnership with Giancarlo Giammetti that fueled an empire for so long.
Where you can watch it: Google Play
14. Advanced Style (2014)
Why we recommend: This documentary follows the personal style of seven New Yorkers as they age-following them through trials and tribulations as well as through the most beautiful things life has to offer. If you want to be inspired to always be yourself, no matter your age, we cannot recommend this documentary enough.
Where you can watch it: Amazon Prime
15. Westwood: Punk. Icon, Activist. (2018)
Why we recommend: Whether or not Vivienne Westwood invented punk is up for discussion, but one cannot deny she brought it into the mainstream and cultivated it through her original aestheic. This documentary follows her story from the 70’s as well as covers her social and environmental activism. Vivienne Westwood is much more than a brand and Westwood: Punk. Icon. Activist will show you just how much more.
Where you can watch it: YouTube
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