10 Must Watch Fashion Movies

Fashion is not all about glitz and extravagance; it has so many different sides not visible to the general public. From documentaries to movies inspired by real life, these 10 films will bring the magnificent world of fashion closer to you and will help you see who really those egocentric fashionistas are and what is behind the fashion icons’ lightness of being.

1. The Devil Wears Prada (2006). .

A story about a young naïve journalist Andrea (Anne Hathaway) taking up a job of a second assistant to the editor of one of the city’s biggest fashion magazines. Her boss (Meryl Streep) is ruthless and cold-blooded, and the young woman does not really fit into the fashion world, but with the help of her colleagues, Andrea changes into a true fashionista, which changes her relationships with her close ones. Eventually she learns that life is all about making choices. A must-watch for all who dream of a career in fashion journalism.

2. Coco Before Chanel (2009).

A few years after leaving the orphanage, Gabrielle Chanel, played by Audrey Tautou, starts working in a local bar. She works as a seamstress in-between her shifts and she also sings quite well. The song she used to sing nightly with her sister gives her a new nickname- a famous Coco. A liaison with Baron Balsan provides her an opportunity to get into French society and gives her a chance to develop her gift for designing increasingly popular hats. When she falls in love with an English businessman more opportunities open up, though life becomes ever more complicated. This a must-watch classic for all who love the world of fashion and worship Coco Chanel.

3. Sex and the City (2008).

A classic movie about a city fashionista-columnist Carrie Bradshaw, excellently performed by fabulous Sarah Jessica Parker. Carrie’s vast collection of shoes is astounding, and her clothes choice is always impeccably stylish. The movie is a compilation of all the best things from the show: fashion, style, sex, love, life choices, and it still remains a modern fairy tale with a new age strong independent Cinderella. Carrie’s famous wedding dress was designed by Vivienne Westwood, and it’s worth watching the movie just for this fashion masterpiece.

4. In Vogue: The Editor’s Eye, Vogue (2012).

). Even if you are not a fan of documentaries, this movie will keep you awake and absorbed until the very end. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is featured in this film, among Babs Simpson, Grace Coddington, Tonne Goodman, and others. “In Vogue” presents the back stories of famous photos features in the iconic magazine, from delicate couture to the infamous photos of a model in a leg brace, seen by Vogue as a fashion accessory rather than a connection to reality.

5. Dior and I (2014).

Originally titled Dior et moi, the French movie takes the viewer inside the fascinating world of the Christian Dior fashion house. You get an opportunity to have a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as its new artistic director, which a story of a true dedication and passion. This documentary is also a vibrant homage to the tailors who serve Simons’ vision. A wonderful portrayal of hard work and enthusiasm is recommended for all fashion lovers and those thinking of a career in fashion design.

6. Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009).

The plot focuses on a young fashion writer who loves beautiful clothes a bit too much. Well, so much she cannot exactly pay off most of them. Confessions of a Shopaholic is an adorable, comedic (and sometimes cringe-worthy) take on life among fabulous clothes for the main protagonist Rebecca Bloomwood (Isla Fisher). Unable to cope with her devastating obsession with shopping and the sudden collapse of her income source, Rebecca Bloomwood accidently gets a writing for a financial magazine job after a drunken letter-mailing mix-up. Paradoxically she had to write about the very consumer caution of which she herself knew nothing, but her innovative comparisons and unconventional fashion and shopping metaphors for economics got her critical acclaim, public success, and the admiration of her supportive boss Luke. In the end she still has to overcome her shopaholic condition and make further choices about her career. The movie is about happiness, honesty, and again, the right choices.

7. Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961).

A discussion of fashion in the movies would always be incomplete without this iconic fashion movie, a true masterpiece that has no timeframes and is still trendy and classy today. The film’s combination of icons Audrey Hepburn, fashion designer Hubert Givenchy, and legendary costume designer Edith Head was a definite recipe for sartorial success. The combined genius of Givenchy and much favored in Hollywood Edith Head resulted not only in Hepburn’s elevation to iconic status, but also the ensembles she wore in the film: many of the costumes from Breakfast at Tiffany’s are as identifiable as the actress herself. The film continues to influence fashion and beauty today despite the fifty years since its release. Its influence on costume design and upon the concept of “classic style” was a huge incentive for the advertising world to recognize the importance of film.

8. The September Issue (2009).

The documentary focuses on the September 2007 issue of Vogue magazine, which weighed nearly five pounds, and was the single largest issue of a magazine ever published. With unprecedented access, this film tells the story of legendary Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour and her large team of editors creating the issue and ruling the world of fashion. Do not confuse thise film the the In Vogue: The Editor’s Eye. While the former chronicles the life and works of the people behind the scenes, The September Issue pictures the luxurious and at the same time intense business required in putting together the largest issue of the year. A perfect watch for everyone who thinks that fashion is all about luxury and glitter.

9. Zoolander (2001).

Ben Stiller takes on the stereotypical life of the “not-too-bright” male model with this typical fashion favorite. Stiller’s Derek Zoolander is VH1 three time male model of the year, but when Hansel, his antagonist, winds the award, Derek’s world turns upside down. His friends vanish, his father is terribly disappointed with him, and he feels that he should stop his model career since he failed. However, when evil fashion guru Mugatu hires Zoolander, he thinks his life has turned back round again, that is until he finds out that Mugatu has actually brainwashed him to kill the Prime Minister of Malaysia. A fun and easy watch for everyone who loves fashion and the world of modeling.

10. Bill Cunningham New York (2010).

This documentary film presents a profile of the noted and extraordinarily cheerful veteran New York City fashion photographer. Full of happiness and modest charm, Bill Cunningham New York offers a moving, poignant, mildly humorous portrait of Bill Cunningham. A must-watch for everyone who is into fashion photography.

And what are your favorite fashion movies?