Fashion

The 10 Fashion Documentaries You Need To See Now

On Thursday morning, entrepreneur Ian Schrager and online magazine NOWNESS announced a new series of short films about the fashion industry. The first one, which features Vogue Italia's Franca Sozzani, is already up, giving an intimate look into Sozzani's work with world-famous fashion photogher, Miles Aldridge. The fashion industry is a notoriously exclusive world, so it's always a treat to get an insider's peek. In order to see what the exclusive world is really like, turn off The Devil Wears Prada and You're Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley's Fashion Party, and opt for one of these documentaries instead.

by Michelle King

The 10 Fashion Documentaries You Need To See

On Thursday morning, entrepreneur Ian Schrager and online magazine NOWNESS announced a new series of short films about the fashion industry. The first one, which features Vogue Italia's Franca Sozzani, is already up, giving an intimate look into Sozzani's work with world-famous fashion photogher, Miles Aldridge. The fashion industry is a notoriously exclusive world, so it's always a treat to get an insider's peek. In order to see what the exclusive world is really like, turn off The Devil Wears Prada and You're Invited to Mary-Kate & Ashley's Fashion Party, and opt for one of these documentaries instead.

Andrew H. Walker/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

'Girl Model'

Spoiler alert: America's Next Top Model is not a realistic depiction of modeling. Girl Model follows two aspiring models in Siberia and Tokyo, respectively, and is a jarring reminder that the industry isn't actually Jay Manuel shouting at you while you pose in a shark tank.

'Valentino: Last Emperor'

The premise is simple: a documentary exploring the life of Valentino Garavani. But when you have a subject who this colorful, simple ain't ever gonna happen. Watch how it depicts the 50-year relationship between Valentino and his business partner/companion, Giancarlo Giammetti — it's enough to make even the iciest of hearts melt.

'Marc Jacobs and Louis Vuitton'

Pause for a personal moment of Marc Jacobs adoration. (OK. Thanks for that.) This documentary shows what a visionary the designer is. It will also make you feel super-inadequate 'cause do you know what Marc Jacobs has accomplished in his career? Pretty much everything. And that is only a little bit hyperbole.

'Bill Cunningham New York'

If you don't know who Bill Cunningham is, then, hi, welcome to 2013. The weather is great here (Well. Sort of. But we won't get in to that. We don't have fall or spring anymore, by the way). This film profiles the New York City fashion photographer and how he changed the industry forever.

'Fashion Victim: The Killing of Gianni Versace'

This documentary is for your rainy day. You have greed, murder, obsession, fame — all under the umbrella of fashion.The late Gianni Versace was murdered by Andrew Cunanan in 1997, and Fashion Victim tells the tragic details leading up to the event. I should let you know that it's good in the way Lifetime movies are good. Can I read you an excerpt from the film's official site, so you'll know what I'm talking about? "Here we encounter a self styled emperor, Gianni, and his nemesis, Andrew Cunanan, a psychotic product of a decadent American dream, waiting in the wings for the dramatic final act: a Mafia style execution on the steps of Versace's Xanadu palace in Miami." How can you resist that?

'The September Issue'

The September Issue shows Anna Wintour and co. preparing for the September 2007 issue of Vogue, and is a must-see for anyone who grew up flipping through the magazine. There are plenty of zingers from Wintour (I die every time I watch the scene where a reporter says, "Many people say that you are an 'Ice Woman'" and she responds, "Well, this week it has been very cold"), but the real hero of the film is Grace Coddington, creative director and professional badass.

'This is My Dream'

This is My Dream celebrates the 10th anniversary of Yohji Yamamoto's Y-3 line for Adidas. Yamamoto is a notoriously private person, but this documentary gives insight into his thoughts and aspirations. Even if you're not familiar with Yamamoto's work, you'll find it fascinating to watch such a closed-off person let others in. It's like that time my always-quiet family friend got drunk at our holiday party and finally talked to me about stuff that's not the weather, only way more about fashion and way less uncomfortable for all involved.

'OWN Visionaries: Tom Ford'

OWN gives access to Tom Ford's London studio, as well as his personal. Admittedly, it's pretty snooze-worthy at parts, but it gives you time to grab a snack. Just make sure you're not reaching for the Goldfish during the scenes in which Ford discusses the inspiration for his controversial ad campaigns.

'Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's'

I don't know if you've ever been to Bergdorf's, but shit is fancy with a capital F. On the documentary's official site, the department store is described as "the most mythic of all American emporiums." This feels not true at all (It's mostly the word "mythic" with which I'm taking issue), but taking a peek into the iconic store is still pretty cool.

'The Tents'

Fashion Week used to be a trade show for buyers and editors, but now it's a circus. This documentary gives a behind-the-scenes look at how Fashion Week — I mean "hashtag NYFW" — became what it is now.

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