In the ever-evolving world of fashion, film remains one of the most powerful mediums to capture its spirit, icons, and cultural impact. Whether you’re drawn to the visionary minds behind iconic maisons, the backstage chaos of couture, or the personal philosophies of fashion’s most elusive designers, these films offer a rare glimpse into the soul of style.
From the commanding presence of Diana Vreeland to the poetic minimalism of Yohji Yamamoto, this curated list of 10 essential fashion documentaries and cinematic masterpieces takes you behind the seams of fashion’s most influential figures and moments. These are not just films — they are visual love letters to creativity, craftsmanship, and the people who dared to change the way we dress and see the world.
Watch, wonder, and get inspired.
1:
Diana Vreeland’s The Eye Has to Travel (2011)
Diana Vreeland was a groundbreaking force in fashion, whose influence left an indelible mark on icons like Twiggy, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Lauren Bacall, and many more. Beginning her career in 1937 as a writer for Harper’s Bazaar, Vreeland quickly became known as a daring and visionary trendsetter. Over the next 25 years, she revolutionized the fashion world, uncovering fresh ideas, designers, photographers, and personalities that would shape the industry. In the 1960s, she took on the role of editor-in-chief at Vogue, where she became the defining voice of that era’s style. Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel takes us on a journey through her extraordinary life, from Paris to New York to London, celebrating her legacy, adventures, and passionate contributions to fashion.
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Dries by Reiner Holzemer
For the first time ever, renowned fashion designer Dries Van Noten grants a filmmaker intimate access to both his creative process and personal life. Over the course of a year, director Reiner Holzemer follows Dries as he meticulously crafts four collections—each showcasing the luxurious fabrics, intricate embroidery, and distinctive prints that define his work. The film also captures the iconic runway shows that unveil these collections, celebrated highlights of Paris Fashion Week. Dries offers a rare glimpse into the world of a visionary designer who, for over 25 years, has preserved his independence amidst the increasing consolidation and globalization of the fashion industry. © 2017 Dogwoof Ltd.
3:
Who are you Polly Maggoo by FWILLIAM KLEIN
Step into the surreal and satirical world of 1960s fashion and media with Who Are You, Polly Maggoo?, the cult classic directed by legendary photographer and filmmaker William Klein. A bold, stylish, and sharply funny critique of the fashion industry, celebrity culture, and consumerism, this 1966 film blurs the line between fantasy and reality with dazzling visuals and biting wit.
Set in a hyper-stylized version of Paris, the film follows Polly Maggoo, a young American model catapulted to stardom as the subject of a sensational television documentary. As Polly navigates her sudden fame, Klein exposes the absurdity and artificiality behind the fashion elite, all while experimenting with cinematic form and visual storytelling.
Before we dive deeper, here’s a brief look at the world of Polly Maggoo—a whirlwind of avant-garde fashion, media spectacle, and 1960s satire, all seen through Klein’s irreverent and visionary lens.
4:
Martin Margiela: In His Own Words by Reiner Holzemer
An intimate portrait of Martin Margiela, one of fashion’s most groundbreaking and influential designers. From his early days as Jean-Paul Gaultier’s assistant to his role as creative director at Hermès, and finally, as the founder of his own eponymous brand, Margiela revolutionised fashion with his daring, unconventional approach over a span of 20 years and 41 provocative collections. Known for his elusive persona—he never once showed his face to the public—Margiela’s work challenged the very norms of style and identity. For the first time, the “Banksy of fashion” opens up, sharing his sketches, notes, and personal artifacts, offering a rare glimpse into his creative mind. Featuring interviews with iconic figures such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Carine Roitfeld, trend forecaster Lidewij Edelkoort, fashion critic Cathy Horyn, and fashion historian Olivier Saillard, this film uncovers the legacy of a designer who reshaped the fashion world. The film’s score is composed by the Belgian rock band dEUS.
5:
The First Monday in May
The First Monday in May follows the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most attended fashion exhibition in history, “China: Through The Looking Glass,” an exploration of Chinese-inspired Western fashions by Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton. With unprecedented access, filmmaker Andrew Rossi captures the collision of high fashion and celebrity at the Met Gala, one of the biggest global fashion events chaired every year by Vogue editor in chief Anna Wintour. Featuring a cast of renowned artists in many fields (including filmmaker Wong Kar Wai and fashion designers Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano) as well as a host of contemporary pop icons like Rihanna, the movie dives into the debate about whether fashion should be viewed as art.
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Catwalk (1995) by Robert Leacock
Catwalk (1995), directed by Robert Leacock, is a behind-the-scenes documentary that offers an exclusive, candid glimpse into the world of high fashion. Following the preparation and spectacle of the Spring/Summer 1994 runway shows, Catwalk immerses viewers in the glamorous and cutthroat universe of top models, designers, and the fashion elite. The film follows supermodel Christy Turlington as she navigates her way through the intense pressure of one of fashion’s most iconic events— the catwalk— capturing the raw emotions, personal struggles, and electrifying energy of the industry. Through intimate interviews and stunning visuals, Leacock highlights the artistry, the ambition, and the fragility that exists behind the façade of runway perfection. With an insider’s lens, Catwalk is not just a film about fashion; it’s a portrait of the people who live and breathe it, showing the human side of the beauty and glamour we see on the surface.
7:
Made In Milan by Martin Scorsese & Girogio Armani.
Made in Milan (1990) is a captivating short documentary that takes us deep into the world of fashion designer Giorgio Armani, directed by the legendary Martin Scorsese. In this intimate film, Scorsese captures the creative genius of Armani as he prepares for one of his highly anticipated runway shows. Through candid interviews and behind-the-scenes footage, we are invited into the heart of Milan, the city that helped shape Armani’s iconic vision. The documentary explores not only the designer’s innovative approach to fashion but also delves into his personal history, from his family’s influence to the cultural roots that ground his work. With English subtitles, Made in Milan offers a rare, unfiltered look at one of the fashion industry’s most influential figures, presenting Giorgio Armani as both a designer and a storyteller, revealing the passion, artistry, and legacy behind his world-renowned brand.
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The Notebook of Cities and Clothes by Wim Wenders – Yohji Yamamoto
Notebook of Cities and Clothes (1989), directed by Wim Wenders, offers a rare and intimate look into the creative process of fashion maestro Yohji Yamamoto. The film gives viewers a unique opportunity to witness Yamamoto at work—consulting with top models, collaborating with skilled tailors, and transforming raw materials into stunning, meticulously crafted garments. As the dresses take shape, Wenders captures not just the artistry but also the philosophy behind Yamamoto’s designs, exploring the interplay of creativity, craftsmanship, and vision. Through insightful reflections, the designer shares his thoughts on the contrasting worlds of New York and Tokyo, offering a glimpse into the hidden complexities of fashion that often go unnoticed. Notebook of Cities and Clothes invites us to live in two distinct worlds, showing how the art of fashion transcends culture and geography, all while revealing the secrets of inspiration behind one of the most influential designers of our time.
9:
Dior and I..by Frédéric Tcheng
Dior and I (2014), directed by Frédéric Tcheng, is an enthralling behind-the-scenes documentary that takes us inside the world of one of fashion’s most iconic houses. The film follows Raf Simons as he steps into the role of Creative Director at Christian Dior, tasked with designing his first haute couture collection for the brand. In just eight weeks, Simons must navigate the immense pressure, history, and legacy of Dior while working with a team of skilled artisans in the heart of Paris. Dior and I offers a rare, intimate look at the creative process and the human side of high fashion, capturing the tension, passion, and artistry that goes into crafting an extraordinary collection. Through Tcheng’s lens, we see not only the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail but also the emotional journey of a designer taking the reins of a fashion dynasty, all while respecting the legacy of Christian Dior himself. It’s a film that showcases the fusion of innovation and tradition, offering a glimpse into the soul of couture.
10»:
The Gospel According To Andre
The Gospel According to André tells the captivating story of André Leon Talley, the legendary former editor-at-large of Vogue and one of the most influential figures in both the fashion industry and New York’s cultural landscape. Beginning his career in the 1970s at Andy Warhol’s Factory, Talley went on to reshape the fashion world, using his platform to champion the inclusion of African-American models and designers in prominent publications like Women’s Wear Daily, W, and Vogue. His unique perspective and sharp eye for style earned him the respect of top designers, stylists, and celebrities, making his judgment highly sought after. Featuring interviews with fashion icons such as Anna Wintour, Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford, Valentino, and Manolo Blahnik, the documentary traces Talley’s remarkable journey through a wealth of archival footage, showcasing the glamorous and bold eras of fashion he helped define. With his larger-than-life personality and unwavering vision, André Leon Talley’s impact on the world of style is undeniable.
