When the weather is scorching and it’s too hot to sew, let alone be outside without melting like a popsicle, one of my favorite things to do is to go into full lounge mode and put on a fun fashion documentary. Whether focusing on the editorial process of putting together an issue of Vogue or diving into the life of a much beloved designer, these documentaries leave me feeling inspired and ready to take on a new project. If you’ve been feeling the mid-summer slump, check out this list of our favorite fashion documentaries.
This list includes docs centered on designers and the design process, as well as leading figures in the fashion industry such as high-profile editors and photographers. Our list is by no means definite, so be sure to share your favorite fashion documentaries below in the comments. Get comfy, grab some popcorn and settle in for a walk through our fave stories about fashion and design.
Must-Watch Fashion Documentaries
- Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s (2013) – This was one of the first ever fashion documentaries I watched (in my tiny grad school apartment) and it’s my all-time fave. This doc is half history of the iconic Bergdorf Goodman, a luxury department store in Manhattan, and half design challenge as the store creates its annual reveal of their magical holiday windows. In this documentary, you’ll hear interviews from designers and style icons about their experiences working with the exclusive clientele of BG’s including John Lennon and Yoko Ono. If you have a love of visual merchandising, you won’t want to miss seeing all the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating the stunning window displays, including the sourcing of vintage and handmade decorations as well as the grand reveal at the end of the doc.
- Dior and I (2014) – Designer Raf Simons pulls together his first show as designer for the house of Dior in this captivating documentary released in 2014. In this backstage look at everything that goes into creating a haute couture show, you’ll see the beginning of Simon’s design process to the beautiful and complex work completed by the couturiers at Dior to the final runway show. This doc is interesting as it juxtaposes Simon’s modern style with the work of legendary designer Christian Dior as Simon balances his fresh take while still staying true to the roots of the company.
- The September Issue (2009) – No doubt inspired by the success of The Devil Wears Prada (which in turn was inspired by Vogue editor Anna Wintour), The September Issue covers the creation of Vogue’s iconic annual September issue. You’ll see behind-the-scenes of what goes into making a fashion magazine, from the discussion of advertising to editorial shoots. The heart of the documentary is the sometimes-fraught relationship between Editor-in-Chief Wintour and legendary Creative Director Grace Coddington as the two work through their creative visions for the magazine.
Photo: Canva
- White Hot: The Rise & Fall of Abercrombie & Fitch (2022) – A more recent addition to the list of must-watch docs from Netflix, this documentary is for those who love a bit of true crime or scandal sprinkled in with their fashion. This in-depth look at 2000s tween mall favorite Abercrombie & Fitch covers the rise of the brand and its many, many scandals, including problematic hiring practices, predatory photoshoots and a toxic work culture. If you were a teen in the late 90s or early 2000s, we recommend giving this documentary a watch.
- House of Z (2017) – Speaking of rise and fall (and rising from the ashes), we recommend House of Z, a look into the life and work of designer Zac Posen. A designer who rose to prominence at the age of 21, Posen’s celebrity clientele includes Naomi Campbell, Dita von Teese and Rihanna. This doc shares the beginnings of Posen’s rise to fame at a young age, as well as his falling out of favor among the fashion elite and the reemergence of his designs on the runway and red carpet in the mid-to-late 2010s. While not as captivating as Dior and I, this documentary includes a fascinating look at the fickle fashion industry and what can happen to designers if they fail to adapt.
- Bill Cunningham New York (2010) – Another personal favorite, this documentary focuses on the life and work of legendary street fashion photographer Bill Cunningham. Known for his frugal nature and iconic bike that he rode around NYC, this sweet documentary gives a peep into the life of the late fashion photographer and includes interviews with NY style legends who worked with Cunningham throughout his contributions to the New York Times. With a focus less on haute couture and more on the style of New York’s citizens, this doc is ripe with inspiration for both fashion photography and the art of getting dressed.
Photo: Canva
- LuLaRich (2021) – Listen, we had to finish off our list with a bang. This recent documentary series takes a deep dive into the devastation caused by fast fashion multi-level marketing company LuLaRoe. A company that rose to prominence during the 2010s with their butter-soft leggings in loud prints and bright colors, this in-depth docu-series covers the beginnings of LuLaRoe and its lightning-fast rise on social media, as well as its ultimate downfall as its fast fashion practices and crooked business scheme resulted in poor product quality and debt for its sellers.
Editor Ashley’s Other Recommendations
This list is some of my personal faves but if you don’t have time to sit down and watch a full movie-length doc, I wanted to include some fun and interesting fashion-related series. What have you been watching? What’s your favorite fashion doc? Let me know in the comments below! I’m always on the lookout for my next binge-watching session.
Photo: Canva
- Project Runway – A tried and true classic. This show first started airing back when I was in high school, and the 20th season just aired last year. If you love watching design challenges, dramatic sewing room arguments and more, you don’t want to miss this show.
- Victoria’s Secret: Angels and Demons – Similar to the documentary about Abercrombie & Fitch, this miniseries takes a look into the rise and fall of Victoria’s Secret, including the brands’ failure at inclusivity and its nefarious connections to Jeffrey Epstein.
- Past runway shows on Youtube – Sometimes it’s nice to just veg and spend some time viewing past runway shows from my favorite designers. You can find multiple channels that host runway shows in full, even dating back to the mid-90s.