By now you’ve probably exhausted all of your Netflix options and have watched every possible new series or movies over this past lockdowns.
Classics are always a good idea but not any kind of classics, if you follow us you must love fashion as much as we do and should always be eager to learn something new about it. We may all experience fashion on a daily basis or keep up with the latest trends and news but there’s never enough knowledge nor inspiration to take from this complex yet incredible industry. So what better way to keep expanding our interest than by watching timeless fashion films?
Whether you’re interested in Coco Chanel’s road to fashion, the history and behind the scenes of the Met Gala or even just the trends and characteristics of a fashion magazine there are various films that will satisfy your needs.
Here is a list of our favourite ones, don’t miss out!
Ready to Wear
Paris and its fashion culture of the 90s captured through the tragic story of a Fashion Council president. The movie protagonist Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni concentrate on the fashion industry, the essence of Parisian fashion weeks and the curious events that happen throughout it. Whether the plot itself may seem to divert from fashion we can assure you that everything about this movie will inspire you, from its iconic wardrobe to the trends of the past that seem to return now more than ever.
Phantom Thread
The Phantom Thread takes into the world of Haute Couture set in London in the 1950s and the perception of Reynold Woodcock, an enchanting designer who doesn’t acknowledge his surroundings. Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie depicts a character whose career relies on women but isn’t ready to consider them yet until something changes and he discovers his muse. Even if it may not be based on a true story Anderson manages to depict real problems of the fashion industry to reflect upon while capturing us with classic visuals.
Annie Hall
This Woody Allen movie may not be about fashion itself but it’s certainly characterised by it. While it takes us on a journey following the love story between Allen and Annie Hall, a nightclub singer with everything but an easy life, it marks fashion (specifically men’s fashion) in a way that few other films at the time did. Menswear takes the spotlight and with it so do vests, high-waisted trousers, curious ties. If you’re feeling stuck by the current fashion landscape and need inspiration that takes you back to refined simplicity this movie is the right one for you.
The September Issue
It’s hard to believe that you may have not watched this movie yet, but if that is the case we can forgive you (as long as you start doing so immediately). This documentary tells us all about Vogue’s editor Anna Wintour and her work behind the September issue of 2007. It’s an enriching movie that will demonstrate all of the hard work that goes behind a renown publication and its most important issue of the year.
Who Are You Polly Maggoo? (1966)
A must-see for any fashion aficionado. This satirical movie directed by William Klein is based on the French fashion landscape and through the relationship of models and the TV industry makes you laugh yet think about the shortcoming of the so idealised fashion world. All done while appreciating the charming style of the 1960s which we can never have enough of.
Words by Chiara Ferrari, Graphics by Victoria Zhao
