10 Films for Fashion Lovers
In July, we offered you ten book recommendations to satisfy your inner fashionista, and while books are a great way to indulge in your interests and unearth new information, cinema is a terrific way to indulge further and surround yourself with a cornucopia of aesthetic inspiration. So, without further ado, here are ten movies that are a must-watch for anyone who loves fashion and style.
- Iris (2014), dir. Albert Maysles
To start us off with some major style inspo, this documentary follows Iris Apfel, an interior designer who found herself dubbed as a fashion icon later in life. She arguably shot to fame after her signature style was turned into an exhibit in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2005.
- Clueless (1995), dir. Amy Heckerling
I may be biased because this has been a movie I watch several times a year and can quote endlessly, but this ‘90s classic is a treasure trove of iconic style choices. The main character Cher Horowitz somehow turns all of her distinctively ‘90s looks into outfits that are timelessly trendy.
- The September Issue (2009), dir. R. J. Cutler
Vogue’s infamous September issue is one of the most anticipated publications for fashion and style enthusiasts everywhere and this documentary details what goes into planning the issue as well as giving viewers a closer look at the life of the famously frosty Anna Wintour.
- The Devil Wears Prada (2006), dir. David Frankel
A must-see (and must-read) for every fashion lover, The Devil Wears Prada follows Anne Hathaway’s character as she tried to survive working for Meryl Streep’s Wintour-esque editor-in-chief of a fictionalized fashion magazine. Anyone can gain a lot of inspiration from watching Hathaway’s character go through her style journey, as well as her professional one.
- Coco Before Chanel (2009), dir. Anne Fontaine
This biopic period piece is an account of the early life of Coco Chanel, before she became a household name and a figure of great prominence in the fashion industry, when she was still a seamstress and part-time cabaret singer.
- Zoolander (2001), dir. Ben Stiller
This absurd comedy is probably a surprising choice, but here me out. The film’s completely ridiculous look at the fashion and modelling industry does have undercurrents that ring true, like the exploitation of models, political agendas, and general corruption of the industry. Plus, if you submit to the stupidity, it’s a good laugh.
- The True Cost (2015), dir. Andrew Morgan
Aaaaand a swift break away from anything farcical, The True Cost is a documentary about the conditions of sweatshops and the implications of buying from fast fashion retailers. It’s a sobering watch for anyone whether or not you have an interest in clothes.
- Sex and the City (2008), dir. Michael Patrick King
People either love or hate the story of Carrie Bradshaw, a stylish writer living in New York City and experiencing the ups and downs of sex and relationships, sharing it all with her three best friends and us, the viewers. While none of the women in the series and it’s feature film work in the fashion industry, each one of them has a distinct style and a passion for clothes that will inspire any viewer.
Honorable mention: Sex and the City 2; it’ll give you just as much style envy as the first one, although the quality of the script takes a steep dive.
- Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009), dir. P. J. Hogan
While the books take us to London to read about our shopaholic protagonist, the movie takes us to New York City with the glamorous Isla Fisher and Hugh Dancy. It’s a lighthearted look at the intoxicating appeal of the fashion industry and consumerism while also suggesting a deeper message about financial responsibility and the dangers of capitalism taking over your life.
- A Single Man, (2009), dir. Tom Ford
Even though this film’s plot of a gay man in the 1960s mourning the loss of his partner has little to do with the fashion industry, the fact that it was directed by iconic designer Tom Ford lends it tons of stylish edge and clean aesthetics.
Written By: Sydney Rakestraw
Photo Sources:
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