April 21st, 2016 by Jennifer Beile 5 Films Every Fashion Lover Should Watch
As a style and fashion enthusiast, I have always been drawn to the real stories and behind-the-scenes look at how everything comes together. As a stylist I am truly in awe of how fashion empires, whether it be a publication, a design house, or a photographer, came to be, run their daily operations, and how they plan on expanding and innovating for the future.
Check out my list below of 5 films every fashion lover should watch and let us know what your favorite is or what you are most excited to watch! Do you have any other must-watch fashion films on your list?
The September Issue
The September Issue takes us behind the scenes of the American offices for the fashion magazine, Vogue, and right into Anna Wintour’s daily duties, for an up close and personal look at the making of, you guessed it: The September Issue. The 2007 issue was the largest in Vogue’s history at the time, with 820 pages.
“There is something about fashion that can make people very nervous.” – Anna Wintour.
See the trailer for The September Issue here.
Coco Before Chanel
Based on the early life of Coco Chanel, born Gabrielle Chanel, Coco Before Chanel tells the true story of rags to riches, from an orphanage to the heights of the fashion world.
“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” ― Coco Chanel
See the trailer for Coco Before Chanel here.
Iris
Iris gives us an intimate look into the life of fashion icon, Iris Apfel. From 1950 – 1992, Iris and her husband took part in interior design renovations for 9 Presidents; during this time of international travel and design is when Iris rose to fame in the fashion world as a true icon for her daring and carefree style, which she continues to this day at 94 years old.
“There’s no how-to road map to style. It’s about self-expression and, above all, attitude.” – Iris Apfel.
See the trailer for Iris here.
Bill Cunningham New York
Bill Cunningham has been a fashion photographer for The New York Times since 1978 and has revolutionized what we now know as “street style”. Before bloggers or Instagram, Bill Cunningham was using his keen eye to discover and shed light on fashionistas, celebrities, socialites, and new designers. Bill is currently 87 years young and is still photographing in New York for The Times.
“The wider world perceives fashion as frivolity that should be done away with. The point is that fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life. I don’t think you can do away with it. It would be like doing away with civilization.” – Bill Cunningham
See the trailer for Bill Cunningham New York here.
The True Cost
The True Cost explores the world of fashion and the impact it has on people and the planet, focusing on the effect of “fast fashion”. Fast fashion is a heavy note that we do not typically highlight in the world of fashion; more importantly the working and negative environmental conditions of factories. Go behind the scenes of the biggest fashion companies and learn more about how to support and be a part of the change for the better we are on the verge of.
“I believe these clothes are produced by our blood. I want the [factory owners] to be aware and look out for us, so that no more mothers lose their kids like that.” – Shima Akhter, a Bangladeshi factory worker in the film.
See the trailer for The True Cost here.
