Fashion Documentaries, Kristen’s Picks

I am a sucker for a good documentary, especially ones focusing on creative people. Fashion documentaries in particular are one of my weaknesses. I find it fascinating to see how creative people work and build a business. Plus, fashion designers are inspiring on so many levels – visually, creatively, and professionally. As an entrepreneur, I love to learn how other people built their businesses and learn from their mistakes. What have I been watching lately? Here’s a round-up of my current faves. (Synopses taken from IMDB.)

Fashion Documentaries, Current Faves

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. (HBO)

Very Ralph
A documentary about the origin and the upgrowth of the fashion label Ralph Lauren. (HBO)

The Gospel According to André
This intimate portrait of André Leon Tally, a fixture in the world of fashion, takes viewers on a journey from André’s roots growing up to becoming one of the most influential tastemakers and fashion curators of our times. (HBO)

Men of Cloth
An inspiring documentary portrait of three Italian master tailors who share their pride and devotion to their Old World craft while confronting their challenging role in the twilight of their career.  (Amazon Prime)

Manolo: The Boy Who Made Shoes for Lizards
An in-depth portrait of MANOLO BLAHNIK, self-confessed ‘cobbler’ and the man regarded by most influential fashion figures as ‘the best shoe-maker of the 20th and 21st centuries. (Amazon Prime)

Halston
Prodigiously talented, Halston reigned over fashion in the 1970s and became a household name. But everything changed in the Wall Street era. With his empire under threat, Halston took the biggest gamble of his life. (Amazon Prime)

Dior and I
Get inside the storied world of the Christian Dior fashion house with a privileged, behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Raf Simons’ first haute couture collection as its new artistic director. (Amazon Prime)

Westwood: Punk, Icon, Activist
The first film to encompass the remarkable story of one of the true icons of our time, as she fights to maintain her brand’s integrity, her principles – and her legacy.

Unzipped
One of the most successful designers in high fashion plans his fall 1994 collection. Follow the behind-the-scenes look at the creative side of fashion. (Paramount +)

McQueen
The life and career of fashion designer Lee Alexander McQueen: from his start as a tailor, to launching and overseeing his eponymous line and his untimely death. (Hulu)

Riveted: The History of Jeans
Part of the American Experience series, the fascinating and surprising story of this iconic American garment. (PBS)

Iris
More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. (Apple TV)

Wonder Boy
Autobiographical documentary on Olivier Roustein, artistic director of Balmain. (Netflix)

Am I missing one?

See something good lately? I am always looking for new documentaries to watch. Let me know your favorites in the comments!

If you’re more of a reader than a movie buff, we’re also sharing five summer reading picks for you to dig into this summer!