SonyaWe’re on the heels of Fashion Week here in Toronto as well as in New York this month. Both emerging and global sensations are set to take to the runways to unveil their Fall/Winter 2018 collections. I know, we’re not even into Spring yet but this is when traditionally fashion editors, industry buyers and fashion lover alike, get a jump start on things to come. While we are still squirrelling away this winter, here are 10 documentaries now on Netflix worth watching in celebration of Fashion Week.
HOUSE OF Z: This very intimate film looks at the rise and fall and then return of fashion designer Zac Posen. It pulls the curtains away and offers an eye opening look at the fashion industry. Posen himself was catapulted to fame at the very early age of 21 with American Vogue Editor Anna Wintour’s nod of approval along side many celebrities. The film reveals what happened to this brilliant designer through interviews and raw footage. An absolutely humbling film that I’ve seen several times since it first premiered at Hot Docs last year.
FRANCA: CHAOS AND CREATION: Franca Sozzani, editor-in-chief of Vogue Italia for nearly three decades, was considered a major influence in the world of fashion. This personal and very candid documentary created by her son, Francesco Carrozzini, highlights her way of life as well as her ground-breaking, and often controversial, editorial. The film also explores the relationship between mother and son.
THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE: This behind-the-scenes documentary follows editor-in-chief Anna Winter and her staff during the production of the September 2007 issue of American Vogue magazine. It’s an intimate and surprising perspective on Wintour as she shares her opinions and story of creating the highly anticipated issue behind her iconic sunglasses.
FIRST MONDAY IN MAY: Follow the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s most attended fashion exhibition in history, China; Through The Looking Glass, and The Met Gala. This documentary goes behind-the-scenes in this extraordinary event with unprecedented access. Includes Anna Wintour, Rihanna, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Karl Lagerfeld, Baz Luhrmann, Wong Kar-Wai and many more.
IRIS: Albert Maysles focuses on a fashion legend, Iris Apfel, who at 93 is still at the top of her fashion game. The biographical documentary follows the New Yorker who’s inspiring and creative look is known all over the world. Follow her enthusiasm for fashion as she shops and haggles with buyers.
ADVANCED STYLE: New York style blogger Ari Seth Cohen pays particular attention to the world’s most stylish over-60 set. His lens captures the street-style of women who’s confidence and beauty goes beyond the pages of any fashion magazine. The documentary profess these women and find out what it means to live life glamorously.
DIOR AND I: In this behind-the-scenes peek at the demanding world of fashion, Christian Dior artistic director Raf Simons designs his first couture collection. Dior and I brings the viewer inside the storied world of the iconic fashion house.
JEREMY SCOTT: THE PEOPLE’S DESIGNER: Follow the journey of fashion designer Jeremy Scott from humble roots on a Missouri farm to creative director of Moschino charted in this documentary. The film offers an in-depth look at the designer and how he rose to become one of the most loved contemporary designers.
MANOLO BLAHNIK: THE BOY WHO MADE SHOES FOR LIZARDS: Legendary shoe designer speaks about his creative process in this documentary. His celebrity admirers chat about their own takes on his works. In 1970, Blank met Diana Vreeland, who recommended he focussed on shoes. Within a few years, his tales have made his name the gold standard in footwear.
JOAN DIDION: THE CENTER WILL NOT HOLD: Literary icon Joan Didion reflects on her remarkable career and personal struggles in this intimate documentary directed by her nephew, Griffin Dunne. The film covers her life including her career at Vogue.
