Now that we live in a world where everything is fast-paced, and where school or work and many other responsibilities seem to loom over our heads non-stop, every once in a while, we need a welcome respite from this concrete jungle we call the metro.
For the many fashionistas and film buffs, we find that solace in Fashion and Film. And then there are Fashion Flicks that just have us melting over the style, the glamour, and the couture. Here are our top 10 movie picks that would surely inspire you to ditch your old school or office go-to outfits and turn your hallways into certified Hollywood movie sets!
1 The September Issue (2009)
Directed by: R.J. Cutler
Starring: Anna Wintour and Grace Coddington
This documentary following the behind-the-scenes of how Vogue puts together the September 2007 issue, will give you a peak at how the publishing giant is run. The documentary centers on the tense professional relationship of editor-in-chief Anna Winter and creative director Grace Coddington and how this relationship produces the most beautiful fashion photos you will ever see. Many designers are also featured like Oscar de la Renta and Vera Wang so you have to watch out for their fabulous creations. This will also teach you how to properly color block.
2 The Devil Wears Prada (2006)
Directed by: David Frankel
Starring: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci
At this point, who has not seen this flick that has already gained a massive cult following? Can’t we all still hear Miranda’s iconic “That’s all.” Whenever this favorite pops up while we are channel surfing, we just cannot help but drop everything and watch. How many fashionistas have died of jealousy over Andy’s fashion makeover and that everyday office fashion sequence! I do suggest that you watch this first before watching The September Issue to see the difference, and the uncanny similarities, of the Anna-Wintour-inspired portrayal of Meryl Streep and the actual Ms. Wintour. Also, if you are dying to know what happened next to Andy, grab a copy of the novel’s sequel Revenge Wears Prada: The Devil Returns.
3 The First Monday in May (2016)
Directed by: Andrew Rossi
Starring: Andrew Bolton, Anna Wintour, Rihanna
This documentary follows Andrew Bolton, curator at the Costume Institute of the Metropolitan Museum of Art and how he created the Met’s biggest fashion art exhibit – China: Through the Looking Glass. Be inspired by the various interpretation of western designers of the classic Chinese fashion. The Galliano collection was just inspiring. This documentary also features fashion’s fight for recognition within the art community. Find inspiration as celebrities like Rihanna, Beyonce, JLo and Justin Bieber walk along the red carpet of the one party we have all dreamed of being invited to: The Met Ball.
4 Yves Saint Laurent (2014)
Directed by: Jalil Lespert
Starring: Pierre Niney, Guillaume Gallienne and Charlotte Le Bon
This French biographical drama tells us the story of the brilliant designer Yves Saint Laurent, his start at the House of Dior, his famous rivalry with Karl Lagerfeld, the beginning of his own fashion house and his relationship with one Jacque De Bascher. This film is actually quite dark, showing us the realities behind the glamour of high fashion and the human behind the name YSL. Pierre Niney’s performance even won him the Best Actor Award at the prestigious Cesar Awards. What fashionistas would sure love is the film’s use of actual vintage pieces from the 70’s and how the iconic 1965 Mondrian collection was created.
5 Dior and I / Dior et Moi (2014)
Directed: Frederic Tcheng
Starring: Raf Simons
This critically-acclaimed documentary is about Raf Simons’ preparation for his debut as the creative director of Dior. Before his transfer to Dior, Simons is better known in the fashion world for this previous works with RTW brands, so it is very interesting to see what this creative genius has in store for Dior’s ateliers. Simons’ demeanor and work ethic also reminds us that fashion is more than just fun and glamour but a multibillion dollar industry. These, my friends, is modern haute couture at its finest.
6 Coco Before Chanel (2009)
Directed by: Anne Fontaine
Starring: Audrey Tautou
To the one who gave us the Little Black Dress (LBD), a fabulous “Thank you, Coco!” It would be an injustice not to include in this list the biographical film that tells us the story of Coco Chanel, a bar girl who would eventually build a fashion empire. Apart from the inspiring story of this strong, determined woman, I know how much you all would love the many designer hats featured throughout the film. Also, if a Cesar Award for Best Costume (and an Oscar nomination) is an indicator, your eyes are in for a treat.
7 Unzipped (1995)
Directed by: Douglas Keeve
Starring: Isaac Mizrahi, Linda Evangelista, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford and Kate Moss
The oldest film on our list, this documentary came out more than 20 years ago. This documentary follows the crazy preparation for Isaac Mizrahi’s 1994 collection. For many millennial fashionistas, Mizrahi is known for his judging stint in Project Runway, so here is a must watch to learn more about one of the most high profile designers of the 90’s. Spoiler alert, his ’94 collection was all about colors brighter than the sun: colorful dresses, trench coats and boots. What made this film huge is the jaw-dropping lineup of supermodels. This film will remind you about how powerful the 90’s supermodels were. As Linda Evangelista infamously once said, “We don’t wake up for less than $10,000 a day.”
8 Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008)
Directed by: Matt Tyrnauer
Starring: Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti
The industry’s last true couturier, Valentino Garavani opens his private life to us mere mortals in this documentary. Being filmed by a special correspondent to no less than Vanity Fair, Valentino: The Last Emperor is sure packed with the most amazing collections of high fashion. It was also very emotional, not just because it gives us a peak at what it is like to be Valentino and be part of his entourage but because it came out the year Valentino had his final haute couture show.
9 Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s (2013)
Directed by: Matthew Miele
Starring: Betty Halbreich, Iris Apfel, Vera Wang, Olsen Twins, Diane von Furstenberg, Tom Ford and many more
I guess if you can have your breakfast at Tiffany’s, why not be even more fabulously crazy and have your funeral at the luxury institution that is Bergdorf Goodman? The film is basically a compilation of testimonials from celebrities, designers and other high profile personalities of their love for the luxury brands store. Just do not blame me for any sudden urge for a shop-till-you-drop shopping spree right after watching this documentary.
10 Sex and the City: The Movie (2008) and Sex and the City 2 (2010)
Directed by: Michael Patrick King
Starring: Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon
Because we are being extra extra nice, here is a bonus, we are listing 11 films in this top 10 list! The four best friends we have gone to love reprises their roles in these two movies. If you are a true fashionista, I would not have to explain what Sex and the City is, but for the friend you are reading this with, it is about four New Yorkers shopping for labels and shopping for love. For the first movie, watch out for the sequence when Carrie tries on a couple of wedding dresses for her Vogue photoshoot. While the film chose to highlight the Vivienne Westwood gown, I just love that Oscar de la Renta piece with the striking red lips and the gorgeous flower headpiece. And for the sequel, be amazed by the “camel-riding” outfits that only these four ladies can pull off!